PhD Student

Job description

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 Electrical Energy Laboratory (EELAB) at UGent is involved in a Flanders Make research project AlExci., with a duration of 4 years.
The main goal of the AlExci project is to investigate how an electric motor can be built with less critical materials. In particular for this PhD, the focus is on using aluminum as conductor material instead of copper, and to study how aluminum can be used together with other sustainable materials for electric insulation of the conductors, for good thermal contact with the stator core, for long lifetime, and for easy disassembly and recycling. An example could be anodized aluminum: the aluminum oxide layer is fully recyclable.
As a PhD student, you will contribute to the development of multiphysics (electromagnetic & thermal) models for windings of electric motors. Also, you will study how the motor design can be modified to make the windings in the machine more robust against thermal variations or mechanical vibrations. The work includes a significant experimental part, i.e. making prototypes of stators and test the concepts for sustainable windings. The project has a user group of companies, which are active in enameled wire, impregnation and potting techniques, electric machine design and electric machine manufacturing or repair.
The initial contract duration will be one year, in which you are hired as a PhD researcher. The contract can be extended to 4 years in total, under the condition of a positive evaluation after the initial period. Ghent University offers an attractive salary with additional benefits, a positive and inspiring working environment and training possibilities. You will work at the Electrical Energy Laboratory in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park in Zwijnaarde.

Job profile

• 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 have a strong technical knowledge, expertise and experience in the domain of electric machines, power electronics, control of electric machines.
• 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.
• Your contract will start as soon as possible.
• 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

How to apply

Applications may be sent by email to Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be. Application deadline is September 30, 2025. 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.