PhD Candidate in Electrical Engineering

Description:

Electrification and digitalization are among the future's most significant areas for transition to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in these areas – including renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks, as well as research and education in Life Science, health technology, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international environment with approximately 170 employees contributing to important technical energy and health solutions at Ångström Laboratory. Join us! This position will be located at the Division for Engineering of Integrated Smart Systems, at the Department of Electrical Engineering. Here you will find a pleasant work environment with an active doctoral student network and numerous experimental projects. The division collaborates with Swedish companies—both public and private—and stakeholders in various research areas. We look forward to your application. Help us build the future together! Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University. Project Description Power transformers are the backbone of modern power grids, and their reliability is crucial for stable energy supply. A key component in the insulation system is transformer oil. Between the windings, high oil flow is desired to improve cooling performance, but simultaneously the velocity must be limited to avoid faults caused by flow electrification—the accumulation of static charge as a result of oil flow. There are simple models that describe the phenomenon, but the underlying physics remains largely unknown. Since direct measurements inside a functioning transformer are impossible, there is an urgent need for new laboratory methods and a modern theoretical framework to understand how charge is generated, transported, and released in these systems. This doctoral project offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of fluid mechanics, electrochemistry, and soft matter physics, addressing a problem that encompasses both deep scientific challenges and significant industrial relevance. Classical models such as the Helmholtz–Smoluchowski equation do not work for transformer oils due to their extremely high resistivity, the significant surface conductivity of cellulose, possible electrorheological effects, and the oil's penetration into the porous solid material. These factors create a rich and unexplored physical landscape where new insights await discovery. The goal of the project is to develop a predictive model for flow electrification, supported by precise laboratory experiments. You will design experimental setups, measure flow currents under controlled conditions, and build theoretical tools that capture the complex electrohydrodynamics at the interface between oil and cellulose. The result will be a framework with a small number of governing parameters that can be used to assess and mitigate electrification risks in real transformers. The project, funded by Hitachi Energy AB, will be conducted in close collaboration with the industrial partner and their research organization. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise will be ensured, although special rules may apply regarding publication and intellectual property (IP). We offer varied and exciting work that is shaped by the doctoral student and the research group together. The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two advisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also offers salary supplements upon employment as a doctoral student at the department. Responsibilities Doctoral studies require independent research work within a chosen subject, supported by advisors and collaboration with other researchers. Research tasks include: Developing a specialized experimental setup to measure flow currents in transformer oils under well-controlled laminar flow conditions. Quantifying flow currents generated by various transformer oils as they flow through cellulose channels, enabling systematic comparisons between materials and operational parameters. Building advanced theoretical models that describe the electrohydrodynamics at the interface between oil and cellulose, capturing charge generation, transport, and double-layer behavior. Contributing to teaching and departmental activities, up to a maximum of 20% of total working time, as part of doctoral training. Education in relevant techniques is provided as part of the doctoral program. Read the full announcement here: https://uu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:941934/ Welcome to submit your application by July 1, 2026. UFV-PA 2026/1886. Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The employment may be subject to security vetting. Security vetting is a prerequisite for employment, and applicants must be approved. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received through Uppsala University's recruitment system. Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected], Seko - [email protected], ST (OFR/S) - [email protected]

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Uppsala

Address

Box 256

GPS

59.8520701, 17.7188369copyopen in

Email

[email protected]

Views

6

Published

1. 6. 2026

Edited

21. 6. 2026

Specifications