Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. The Energy & Systems Laboratory (EnSy) at UGent is involved in a regional research project Stratus., with a duration of 4 years.

YOUR TASKS

The main objective of the Stratus project is to investigate how drone motors can be designed and manufactured without the use of critical materials, while maintaining high performance in terms of power density and efficiency. Critical materials considered in this project include both rare-earth magnetic materials and copper. To address this, alternative solutions such as electrically excited systems, whether or not supported by ferrite materials, will be explored. Aluminum will be used for the windings as a substitute for copper.
In addition to the motor design itself, careful attention will be paid to ensuring that the proposed electric motor is suitable for mass manufacturing. The impact of manufacturing techniques must therefore be considered from the early design stages.
As a PhD student, you will contribute to the development of multiphysics (electromagnetic and thermal) models of electric motors. You will also assess and ensure the manufacturability of all motor components in a mass-production context. The work includes a substantial experimental component, including the construction of prototype motors and extensive motor testing. The project is carried out in collaboration with several industrial partners, focusing both on design & manufacturing aspects and on the drone application.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a master of science in engineering (technology), preferably in electromechanical or electrical engineering. 
• You are motivated, creative and have a passion for academic research. You have an affinity with both experimental research and simulation software. 
• You possess strong technical knowledge, expertise, and hands-on experience in the field of electric machines. Additional knowledge of power electronics and the control of electric machines is considered an asset. 
• You have good communication skills in English. 
• You like challenging scientific research in a multidisciplinary and international context.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
• You will work at the Electrical Energy Laboratory in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde.

INTERESTED?

Applications may be sent by email to Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be and Peter.Sergeant@ugent.be. Application deadline is September 30, 2026. Please include cover letter and CV. Do not include reference letters, these will be solicited by us. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may get a small assignment. We offer you a flexible starting date, with a preference to start as soon as possible. For more information about the topic of the PhD itself, please contact Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be.