Ph.D. positions – High-voltage insulation systems

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich is one of the world-leading universities for science and technology. At ETH Zurich, researchers experience a climate which inspires top performance. Situated in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, ETH Zurich is pioneering effective solutions to the global challenges of today and tomorrow. The electric energy sector plays a pivotal role in limiting the man-made global warming and in supporting the urgent and ongoing transformation of our energy system. On the one hand by replacing fossil energy sources with new renewables, and on the other hand by improving the efficiency in the end use. In addition, the electric energy grid is rebuilt and extended to incorporate these changes and aims to use only environmentally friendly components.

Job description

Research Position 1:

The transition to electric mobility has triggered substantial research and development efforts for electric motors and power-electronics drives. The combined electrical, thermal, and environmental stress to the insulation system is unprecedented and the topic of this position. The successful candidate will work (mostly experimental) towards a detailed understanding of the electric strength and aging of compact motor insulation systems.

Research Position 2:

SF6 is today the most important gas for high-voltage switchgear. Its global warming potential is 23‘500 times higher than that of CO2 and world-wide efforts are underway to develop and optimize equipment with environmentally friendly gas mixtures. The successful candidate will research (mostly experimental) on the arcing behavior and current-interruption capabilities of novel non-SF6 gas mixtures.

Profile

The successful candidate should have graduated from a top-tier university and received a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, physics, material science or a related subject with an excellent academic track record. She/he is motivated and interested in working within an interdisciplinary research group. She/he works systematically and independently, is well organized and can present her/his results. Prior experience in high-voltage engineering is of advantage, but not mandatory. Prior experience with hands-on work either through conducting scientific experiments, participation in competitive student teams or otherwise is required.

Workplace

We offer

The research focus of the high-voltage laboratory is the basic understanding of effects related to high electric field strengths and voltages and their application. We work with a very strong experimental focus and our researchers plan, design, construct, build, commission and automate novel setups and voltage/current sources dedicated towards the research question. Measured data is thoroughly analyzed with state-of-the-art theoretical models and published fully open access. The aim of our research is to advance the fundamental understanding of electrical insulation, motivated by the need to develop novel engineering solutions. We work closely with leading companies in the high voltage space and our team is composed of researchers with interdisciplinary master’s degrees. For an overview on our team, research projects, publications and collaboration partners visit our website.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Letter of Motivation in which in particular also your prior experience(s) with relevance to the position(s) are explained
meaningful CV
Transcripts of all obtained degrees (in English or German, with individual courses and grades)
two potential references, and letters of reference or recommendation (only if available, e.g. from internships, no need to request new ones at this stage of the application process)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Only complete applications containing all the required documents will be considered.

Further information about the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and the High Voltage Laboratory can be found on our websites: Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and High Voltage Laboratory. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Christian Franck, cfranck@ethz.ch (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.