PhD Position in intelligent embedded battery/charge management systems

The Center for Industrial Electronics (CIE), Mads Clausen Institute, invites applications for a position as PhD Fellow in the field of intelligent embedded systems for battery and charge management systems. The position is available starting 1st October 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The electrification is envisioned to be essential to meet the global goals of decarbonisation and energy security. System electrification combines a more efficient use of energy with the opportunity of being energized by renewable energy sources, which are dominantly electrical. In the transportation sector electrification not only increases the efficiency, while reducing CO2 emissions when powered by renewables but also contributes to a diversification of energy supply, which results in an increased supply system security.

However, the transition to emission-reduced battery powered systems, such as electric vehicles (EV), involves various yet to be solved challenges. An increasing penetration of battery powered systems calls for suitable, affordable and reliable equipment to recharge these batteries, such as EV charging stations. The battery recharge equipment has a key role in the energy supply chain as it provides the connecting link between the electrical supply grid and the local battery system. During a charge process the battery charge equipment serves multiple objectives. It has to ensure that the battery is charged efficiently and with respect to its specific usage patterns, so that e.g. the battery lifetime can be prolonged, but also it serves specific supply grid constraints, such to e.g. ensure that grid overload or instability conditions are prevented when multiple systems are charged simultaneously.

At CIE we investigate how charge management systems for battery powered systems can be improved, such that battery powered systems can be charged more efficiently based on specific predetermined objectives and battery usage patterns. The successful candidate will be working on a research project in the field of intelligent charge management systems for optimal and efficient charging of battery systems. The goal of this PhD project is to discover methods to improve battery and charge management systems based on intelligent algorithms based on mathematical optimisation by the help of modern machine learning and artificial intelligence. At CIE we have a strong focus on industrial collaboration, therefore a key part of the research is the practical system implementation in an intelligent embedded system.

What we offer
The hosting research group has strong competences in the field of charge management systems and the underlying fundamentals, such as intelligent embedded systems, mathematical optimisation, ML/AI as well as a strong industrial collaboration to support the PhD candidate in all aspects of the research project. We offer a challenging position in an international and stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for conducting research of high quality, and an excellent opportunity for collaboration both within SDU and international research groups. We further offer and expect, as part of the position, to actively get involve in teaching as well as supervision of B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.

What we expect

• You have (or will receive within the next few months) a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent (equivalent to a Danish master's degree).
• You have knowledge and experience with charge or battery management systems and embedded systems
• Experience with one or more of the following topics is a plus:
  • Embedded Systems software development
  • Embedded systems and SoCs architectures
  • Mathematical optimisation and ML/AI
  
  
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• You will assist in the daily supervision of Master and Bachelor students that perform research on related topics.
• You will support teaching activities in the Center for Industrial Electronics.
• You will publish and present your work both at international conferences and in scientific journals with high impact.

Workplace description
The cross-border region Denmark-Germany is turning into a powerhouse in industrial electronics. Very recently, the Centre for Industrial Electronics (CIE) at University of Southern Denmark (SDU) was established by a strong partnership between industry, academia and regional authorities. CIE is located at the campus of SDU Sønderborg and surrounded by a vibrant industrial environment. CIE is part of the section SDU Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering. Centre for Industrial Electronics is focusing on long term employment relations, and we will offer good support for the PhD academic and personal development.

Contact information
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Robert Brehm at [email protected].

Conditions of employment
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position (start salary amounts to approx. 3.378,- EURO per month incl. supplements).

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the Head of the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission to the PhD school. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order), read more here.

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process.

Application procedure
The Faculty expects applicants to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and How to apply before applying.

The application deadline is 3rd August 2020.

The application must be in English and must include - the required forms must be found at the above mentioned Faculty website:

• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants.
• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 2 pages). Upload in the field called “Project description”.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, describing research, publication and teaching experience, computational skills and including personal contact information.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both original and translated into English.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”.
• An official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution, if the thesis/examination project is evaluated by approved/passed. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• References, if any. You're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• List of publications, if available.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.