KTH Royal Institute of Technology
2 days ago
PhD Position in Electrical Engineering on Reliability of Electric Motors KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 17, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
KTH Royal Institute of Technology

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About this position
PhD position in Electrical Engineering at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
This doctoral project, TERMINATOR (funded by FFI Nollutsläpp), investigates how fast-switching silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) power electronics affect the long-term reliability of electric motors. The research focuses on two major degradation mechanisms: electrothermal stress that accelerates aging of motor insulation, and bearing currents that damage mechanical bearings under high dv/dt operation.
The project addresses an important gap in experimental evidence linking modern inverter switching behavior to material wear in electric machines. As a doctoral student, you will develop automated test benches for controlled electrothermal aging, conduct accelerated aging experiments on insulation materials and bearing units, analyze measurement data, and build predictive lifetime models using statistical methods, signal processing, and machine learning. You will also validate the models at system level using motor test benches under inverter supply.
You will join the Electrical Machines and Drives research group at KTH, a highly international environment with strong expertise in electric drives and machine reliability. The project is carried out in close collaboration with industrial partners Traton AB, ABB AB, and ABB Robotics Sweden AB. The proposed supervisor is Docent Luca Peretti.
Eligibility highlights: a second-cycle degree or equivalent qualification; English proficiency corresponding to English B/6; strong lab, programming, and data-analysis skills are highly valued. Experience with power electronics, electric machines, high-frequency measurements, insulation systems, or bearings will strengthen the application.
Funding and employment: The position is a doctoral employment at KTH with salary according to the university’s doctoral salary agreement. The total employment period is normally up to four years of full-time doctoral study.
Application: Apply via KTH’s recruitment system. Submit transcripts and degree certificates, proof of language eligibility, CV, a concise motivation letter, and any representative publications or technical reports. The deadline is 2026-09-17.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must meet the general doctoral admission requirements: a second-cycle degree, or at least 240 higher education credits including at least 60 credits at advanced level, or equivalent knowledge obtained in Sweden or abroad. English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 is mandatory. Strong preference is given to candidates with laboratory experience in power electronics, electric machines, or high-frequency measurements; programming skills such as MATLAB or Python for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis; knowledge of insulation systems or mechanical bearings in electric motors; experience in statistical analysis, signal processing, or machine learning; and very good spoken and written English. Personal qualities such as motivation, perseverance, collaboration, professionalism, and the ability to work with complex problems are important.
How to apply
Apply through KTH’s recruitment system. Include degree certificates and transcripts, proof of language requirements, CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and research interests, and representative publications or technical reports. Ensure the application is complete before the deadline.
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