The scientific and technical activities of the Electromagnetic Engineering lab include fundamental electromagnetic field theory and the physical and technical fundamentals for design of electrical devices. The lab research groups are working with electromagnetic theory, antenna design, diagnostic techniques for electrical insulation, modelling and measurement of magnetic materials and superconductors, applied physics for power components, the application of reliability centred asset management to electrical power systems, and electromagnetic compatibility. The department staff consists of ca 50 faculty members, researchers and PhD students who contribute to a high professional standard of intensive work and quality results, as well as to a friendly and open environment. The staff has a multicultural background and the working language is English.

For more information see the department’s website.

Project description

The PhD program in Electrical Engineering provides world class quality education, including a large list of graduate courses ensuring an in-depth development of relevant competences and skills.

KTH offers an attractive working environment, generous remuneration, as well as other employment benefits. As a PhD student at KTH you have many opportunities to participate at conferences, projects and other relevant events which will extend your professional network and benefit your future career.

Project name: On the Plasma-Polymer interaction in Switchgear

The developments in material science are opening nowadays novel possibilities to develop more efficient, economic and reliable components in electrical power systems. This project is intended to perform quantitative analysis of the fundamental physical and chemical processes taking place at the interface between switching plasma arcs and polymeric walls used in switching power devices (such as breakers, contactors, etc). The focus of the project will be oriented towards the quantitative study of the energy transfer mechanisms between the polymeric walls and switching plasma arcs as well as the investigation of the composition and density of vapours released from the polymer surface. The project is part of a multidisciplinary research initiative between KTH and industry in areas such as gas discharge physics, plasma diagnostics, electrical engineering, scientific computing, polymer chemistry and material science. Particularly, the research work requires intensive testing in the laboratory with several techniques such as high speed photography, optical emission spectrometry, surface profilometry, thermogravimetry with mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, etc. It also includes theoretical analysis of the experimental results and numerical modeling of the processes at the interface and measured radiated spectra.

Qualifications

The successful applicant is expected to hold or to be about to receive an MSc degree in Technical physics, Experimental physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a corresponding degree. The successful applicant should have an outstanding academic track record, and well developed analytical and problem solving skills. A specialization in computational fluid dynamics, plasma physics or optical spectrometry is an asset. We are looking for a strongly motivated and curious person, a fast learner who is able to work independently in both experimental and theoretical tasks. Good command of English orally and in writing is required to publish and present results at international conferences and in international journals. The evaluation will be based on how well the applicant fulfills the above qualifications.

Trade union representatives

You’ll find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH:s web page.

Application

Log into KTH’s recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application.

The application must include:

1. Full curriculum vitae including your relevant academic, professional, and other experience and knowledge.
2. Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions, with translations in English (unless provided so by the issuing institution)
3. Letters of recommendations with contact information for the reference persons
4. Solution to the following work samples:

a. Write down an scientific abstract (with maximum 400 words) of the experiment described in the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSCcT-IBD-c or youtube: “Homemade ‘Train’ using Copper Wire and Magnets”

b. Imagine that you have a point source of monochromatic light with an unknown total radiating power P emitted uniformly in all directions.  You will use a photodetector  (e.g. a photodiode http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photodiode) to measure the radiating power of this source. The photodetector that you have generates an electric current I proportional to the detected powerPdreaching its detection area A. Assume that you locate the photodetector at a distance D1 from the light source and measure a current I1. Write down only the answers to the following questions (in less than half A4 page): Question 1: Which is the equation relating the source power P and the power Pddetected by the photodiode? Question 2: Now you locate the photodetector at a distance D2=3*D1. How much is the new current generated by the photodetector compared with I1?

Others

The employment is time limited following the regulations for Ph.D. employment in the Higher Education Ordinance (~ 5 years when 80% PhD studies and 20% department service including teaching).

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.