Scientist - DC-Microgrid project (all genders) // Job-ID: 131-1

Your future responsibilities

The Research Unit Architectures & Topologies aims at new topologies for different converters, the use of passive technologies within circuits and the use of new device or module technologies for power converters. For the DC microgrid project, we are looking for a new colleague to support the project team in researching innovative and novel solutions for industrial DC microgrids.  
 
The scope of the DC microgrid project ranges from component level to heterogeneous integration in power modules to systems such as solid state transformers, single stage AC/DC converters, solid state power switches, control and stability studies, energy flow management and overall DC microgrid aspects. 
 
Your role in relation to your knowledge is to lead a work package on one of the following topics: solid state circuit breakers, dc/dc converters for different input voltages and different applications, control and operation, energy flow management and stability studies or concepts for DC microgrids. You are the interface between your and other work packages within the project and you perform the testing and verification for your work package. 

We expect you to drive the topic of future DC microgrid applications and other related topics within the research unit and to write and present state-of-the-art scientific papers to the power electronics community.

Your profile

• PhD degree in power electronics in one of the following topics
  • Solid-state circuit breakers
  • dc/dc converters for varying input voltage
  • Control and operation, stability and concepts for dc-microgrids
  • Solid-state transformers or in general ac/dc interfaces for dc-microgrids
• Several years of industrial or post-doctoral experience (ideally 3 years) in one of the above topics 
• Knowledge of how DC microgrid concepts work and how they are operated 
• Knowledge and experience of power electronics converters, in particular with 
  • wide-bandgap power devices,
  • conducted EMI noise emissions,
  • modelling and control design and
  • measuring and testing.
• Knowledge of the latest bi-directional power switch technologies would be an advantage. 
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and PCB design software (e.g. Altium Designer) is preferred. 
• Independent and organised working style.
• Relocation to Graz / Austria
• English language skills are essential to work in our multidisciplinary and multicultural team. 

Important Facts about SAL

• End of the application period: 17 October 2024
• Earliest date of employment: 7 January 2025
• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.827, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week). For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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