PhD stipend in thermal modeling and advanced solutions for high-power modules and magnetic components

At AAU Energy, a PhD stipend is available within the general study programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 December 2026 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years and the position is full-time.

Your work tasks

The position is offered in relation to the GreenMag project, and you will be positioned in the Section of Power Electronics Systems and Materials within the research programme Sustainable Power Electronics and Electrification (SPELL) at AAU Energy, Aalborg University. You will be based at the Aalborg campus in a highly international research environment with close collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the field of power electronics and energy systems.

The increasing electrification of transport, industry and renewable energy systems is driving the development of high-power-density power converters operating at megawatt levels. Advanced planar magnetic components are emerging as a key technology for achieving higher power density, manufacturability and integration in such converters. However, thermal management remains one of the major challenges that limit the performance, reliability and scalability of planar magnetic solutions, especially at high power and high frequency.

In this PhD project, you will work on the development of innovative thermal management technologies for megawatt planar magnetics used in future electrification systems. Your research will combine advanced modelling, experimental validation and prototype development to improve heat dissipation and thermal reliability while maintaining the required electrical and magnetic performance. You will analyse thermal behaviour and heat transfer mechanisms in high-power planar magnetic components, design and evaluate cooling concepts and contribute to the integration of these solutions in realistic converter systems.

You will conduct cutting-edge research on thermal behaviour and heat transfer mechanisms in megawatt-class planar magnetic components and use this knowledge to propose and evaluate new design strategies. You will develop multiphysics simulation models using finite element modelling tools to investigate the thermal performance of planar magnetics and to study alternative cooling concepts and material choices. You will design, manufacture and experimentally validate novel thermal management solutions for planar magnetic structures, and you will explore advanced materials and cooling technologies that can be applied in megawatt-class magnetic components. As part of the GreenMag project, you will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, disseminate your research results through publications in international journals and conferences, and contribute to teaching and supervision activities within the department as part of the PhD education programme.

Your competencies

You have a relevant educational background within Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Energy Engineering or a closely related field, and you hold a Master’s degree that qualifies you for enrolment in the PhD programme. You are motivated to work at the interface between thermal science, electromagnetics and power electronics, and you are interested in both theoretical and experimental research.

You bring strong analytical skills and a structured approach to modelling and problem solving, and you are comfortable working with numerical tools for thermal and multiphysics analysis. Experience with thermal analysis, power electronics or magnetic component design will be considered an advantage, as will experience with finite element analysis tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics or ANSYS. It is beneficial if you have worked with experimental testing, prototype development or laboratory work in previous projects and if you are prepared to work with both simulation and hands-on experiments in this PhD.

As a person, you are curious and creative, and you are motivated by addressing challenging research questions in collaboration with others. You are able to work independently, take responsibility for your project and contribute actively to collaborative research activities across groups and institutions. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required, as you will present your results in scientific publications, at international conferences and in meetings with project partners.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 872 of 6 October 2026 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

Who we are

AAU Energy is a research department at Aalborg University dedicated to the development of clean and sustainable energy systems. Our activities cover electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technologies, and we work closely with industrial partners, utilities and other academic environments to address real-world energy challenges. Aalborg University is recognised internationally for excellence in power electronics and energy systems research, and AAU has been ranked among the leading universities in Europe within energy research. At AAU Energy, you will be part of a highly international environment where research, innovation and collaboration are used to develop solutions to global challenges associated with electrification and the green transition.

The department has campuses in Aalborg and Esbjerg, and this position is based at the Aalborg campus. AAU Energy employs approximately 300 staff members from a broad range of nationalities and disciplinary backgrounds, creating a vibrant international research environment with extensive opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. The department offers world-class laboratory and workshop facilities, and maintains close collaboration with industrial partners. As a PhD student, you will have access to advanced facilities for the design, manufacturing and testing of high-power magnetic components and power electronic systems, and you will be part of an active research community in Sustainable Power Electronics and Electrification.

You can read more about AAU Energy at www.energy.aau.dk

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)

Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment

The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement).

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”.

There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world

Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen. Contacts Hongbo Zhao: +4599409786, hzh@energy.aau.dk Sara Mors Andersen: HR@energy.aau.dk