PhD in Fluid Dynamics and Streaming Electrification at KTH Royal Institute of Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is advertising a PhD position in fluid dynamics and streaming electrification within the Fluid and Surface Group at FLOW. The project focuses on the electrokinetic phenomenon of streaming electrification, where liquid flow over a solid surface generates charge separation and can create serious issues in high-voltage power transformers.

The research will use computational fluid dynamics and turbulence modeling to understand when and why streaming electrification occurs, with the goal of improving design limits and helping prevent insulation-performance problems in power-grid components. The work sits in a strong research environment with researchers, postdocs, and PhD students working across fluid mechanics at FLOW.

Research keywords: fluid dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, turbulence, electrokinetic phenomena, solid-liquid interfaces, high-voltage transformers, engineering mechanics.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should have basic eligibility for third-cycle education, typically a master's degree or equivalent, and must meet the English requirement equivalent to English B/6. A background in fluid dynamics and experience in CFD are considered merits. The selection process also emphasizes independence, collaboration, professionalism, perseverance, and the ability to handle complex problems.

Funding: the PhD project is funded by Hitachi, with additional industrial supervision. The position is a full-time doctoral employment at KTH with salary according to the university’s doctoral student salary agreement.

Application window: the deadline is 30 April 2026. Applicants must apply through KTH’s recruitment system and include diplomas, grades, language certificates, CV, a motivation letter, and representative publications or technical reports.