Postdoctoral Fellow in Degradation in Solid Insulation Systems under Pulsed Repetitive High Voltage
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow for a three-year, full-time position in the Department of Electric Energy, located in Trondheim, Norway. The research focuses on degradation and breakdown in solid insulation systems subjected to stresses from power electronics converters (PECs), a critical area for advancing zero-emission transport, renewable energy, and electric power transmission. The project is part of the SwoP initiative, which aims to develop innovative methods to measure, characterize, and predict increased stresses and accelerated degradation in power components exposed to fast PECs. The successful candidate will investigate failure modes in electrical insulation, such as partial discharges (PD) and dielectric heating, and conduct aging studies using diagnostics like PD measurement and dielectric spectroscopy. The research also includes analyzing mechanical and chemical deterioration of insulation materials to enhance electric withstand strength and develop novel, lightweight insulation systems for electric propulsion and renewable energy generation. The position offers a unique opportunity for international collaboration, including a one-year exchange at the University of Bologna (UniBo) and close cooperation with SINTEF Energy Research and several industry partners. The main supervisor is Professor Kaveh Niayesh (NTNU), with co-supervisors Professor Andrea Cavallini (UniBo) and Dr. Espen Eberg (SINTEF Energy Research). Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Electric Power Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or Electrical Engineering, and demonstrate strong English language proficiency. Preferred qualifications include experience in high voltage engineering, power electronics, and laboratory setups. The position provides a gross annual salary of NOK 604,900 before tax, favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and access to employee benefits. NTNU values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The application process requires submission of a cover letter, project outline, CV, transcripts, thesis, academic works, English proficiency documentation, and references via Jobbnorge.no by November 20, 2025. The postdoctoral fellow will join a dynamic, international research environment and contribute to high-impact scientific publications and presentations.
