Postdoc in Accurate magnetic loss measurements for electrical machines enabling reduced heavy rare-earth material utilization

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Division of Electric Power Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering. Become part of our innovative group and contribute to exciting research within electric power engineering within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

About us

At the Department of Electrical Engineering , approximately 240 employees, including PhD students, conduct research and education in the areas of Communication and Antenna Systems, Systems and Control, Signal Processing and Biomedical Engineering, and Electric Power Engineering. We address challenges that are important for creating a sustainable future.

The Division of Electric Power Engineering has approximately 60 employees, about half of whom are PhD students, and conducts research across a broad range of topics in electric power technology. Electrification will play a major role in achieving a sustainable future. Research activities at the division can be organised into four main areas: power systems, power electronics, electric machines, and high voltage engineering. The strength of our research is based on a solid theoretical foundation combined with extensive experimental verification in our laboratories and in the field. Our goal is to enhance the knowledge base on electrical systems for renewable energy, vehicles, buildings, and industrial applications.

About the research project

While electric motors are highly efficient, they are still the most lossy components in the electric drivetrain of an electrified vehicle. The transition to climate-neutral transport technology requires precise optimisation of drive units, and particularly of the electric machine.

A critical hurdle is the inability to develop purely physics-based theoretical models of the iron materials used in electrical machines. Instead, modelling must rely on laboratory material testing, which does not accurately match the losses and magnetic performance observed under real-world operating conditions. Pulse-width modulation (PWM) from power electronic inverters, which is the technology used to create the waveforms needed for an electric vehicle propulsion machine, introduces high-frequency harmonics that severely exacerbate magnetic core losses in electrical steel.

Because no reconfigurable method exists to physically test actual PWM waveforms on these materials, industry is forced to rely on oversimplified theoretical correction factors that lack a physical foundation, resulting in suboptimal motor designs. Typically, an additional 70–100% in losses must be added to empirical parameterisations based on IEC standard test samples in order to come close to the real losses.

This postdoctoral project aims to improve the accuracy of loss prediction by providing a robust empirical foundation. By developing reprogrammable converter emulators for electrical steel testing, the project will provide the precise physical data needed for accurate magnetic loss computation and thus contribute to research aimed at achieving highly efficient and sustainable transport systems.

Who we are looking for

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

What you will do

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence .

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

Personal letter

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than November 6, 2026.

For questions, please contact:

Torbjörn Thiringer Professor torbjorn.thiringer@chalmers.se +46-723850969

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!

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