Postdoc in MV Power Converters for Electrification of Heating in CCU Applications Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Tu/e Eindhoven is offering a postdoctoral position in MV Power Converters for Electrification of Heating in CCU Applications within the Electrical Energy Systems group. The project sits in the HyCARB programme, a national initiative funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund via GroenvermogenNL and coordinated by TNO with joint technical leadership from TU/e and Utrecht University. The broader programme connects many Dutch knowledge institutions and companies to accelerate carbon-based chemistry using green hydrogen, green electrons, and captured CO₂.

This postdoc focuses on a key piece of industrial decarbonization: converting green electricity into high-power, efficient heat for carbon capture and utilization (CCU) processes. The research sits at the interface of electrical and thermal engineering and aims to design medium-voltage power-electronic converters as programmable heat sources. Instead of treating the heater as a fixed load, you will shape the voltage, waveform, and frequency content to influence the thermal profile and improve process performance.

The research has two main thrusts. First, you will develop and compare converter topologies and control methods that can provide DC, high-frequency AC, and hybrid DC-with-AC-ripple outputs for resistive, inductive, and hybrid impedance heating. The goal is to maximize conversion efficiency while maintaining heat uniformity across the workpiece. Second, you will co-design the power stage and insulation system for safe medium-voltage operation, using FEM-based analysis of electric-field distribution, dielectric stability, and breakdown to guide topology choice, dv/dt management, and modulation strategy. The work will be validated on a down-scaled experimental prototype.

The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary environment with PhD students, postdocs, and partners from process and materials research. Deliverables include a quantitative comparison of resistive, inductive, and hybrid heating approaches; novel scalable MV converter topologies and control methods using wide-bandgap SiC devices and multilevel or series-connected stages; and a prototype for design validation and integration with the CCU heating system.

The appointment is a full-time temporary postdoc position for 2 years. The salary is according to Dutch university scale 10, with a gross monthly range of approximately €4,422 to €5,760, plus an 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation pay. TU/e also highlights training opportunities, technical infrastructure, campus facilities, commuting and home-working allowances, parental leave provisions, and support for international staff, including immigration assistance and the Expat Scheme.

Applicants must hold a PhD in power electronics or a related field and should have hands-on experience with medium-voltage and/or high-power converters, SiC devices, and converter control. Strong English communication skills and the ability to thrive in a collaborative interdisciplinary setting are important. The application remains open until the position is filled, but the listed deadline is 2026-08-14.

For more information, contact hiring manager Dr Dongsheng Yang at d.yang1@tue.nl. HR questions can be directed to hrservices.ee@tue.nl. Applications must be submitted online via the apply button, and should include a cover letter, CV with publication list and three references, and up to five selected best publications.