PhD Student Position in Soft Magnetic Materials and High Frequency Electric Power Conversion at University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh's Ohodnicki Lab is offering a PhD student position focused on "Soft Magnetic Materials and Applications for High Frequency Electric Power Conversion." The research group specializes in advanced magnetic materials and their applications in electric power conversion systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. The position will involve research and development of magnetic materials, with close collaboration with industry and government partners through the Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED) consortium. The lab's work spans electric power conversion, grid infrastructure, electric vehicles, and data center power conversion, with a focus on amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys, ferrites, and electrical steels for use in inductors, transformers, and electric motors. Key objectives for the PhD research include synthesizing and characterizing magnetic materials, developing advanced manufacturing methods, and characterizing magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization, losses, permeability, and magnetostriction. The Ohodnicki Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including the Nanoscale Fabrication and Characterization Facility, supporting cutting-edge research in materials science and electrical engineering. Applicants should hold an undergraduate or MS degree in materials science, applied physics, electrical engineering, or related fields. Desired qualifications include prior experience in magnetic materials and manufacturing, electrical circuits, synthesis skills in metallurgy, ceramics, rapid solidification, powder processing, and characterization skills such as magnetometry, permeability, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Publications and presentations in international technical conferences and journals are preferred. To apply, candidates should send an updated resume and a statement of interest to Prof. Paul Ohodnicki ([email protected]) and submit a formal application to the Swanson School of Engineering via the Graduate Applications portal. The position is available beginning Summer or Fall 2026, and applicants are encouraged to review program details and deadlines. For more information, visit the Ohodnicki Lab and AMPED consortium web pages.