Summary
KU Leuven is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic full-time Postdoctoral Researcher for a 3-year appointment within the Power Electronics research group (ESAT / ELECTA) at EnergyVille in Genk, Belgium. The role focuses on developing novel magnetic design concepts for high-frequency transformers and inductors to enable power converters with significantly higher power density. Alongside research, the candidate will contribute to co-supervising PhD/Master students, engaging in industrial collaborations, and delivering undergraduate teaching in Dutch at the Faculty of Engineering Technology (Campus Diepenbeek).
Postdoc Opportunity: High-Frequency Magnetics & Power Electronics at KU Leuven
Designation
- Position Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoctoraal onderzoeker)
- Staff Category: Academic Assistant Staff (AAP – Barema 44)
- Employment Status: Full-Time (100%)
- Contract Duration: 3 Years
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
| Job Title | Postdoctoral Researcher: High-Frequency Magnetic Components and Power Electronics |
| Reference Code | AAP-2026-157 |
| Institution | KU Leuven (Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT / ELECTA) |
| Research Partner | EnergyVille |
| Primary Location | Genk, Belgium |
| Teaching Location | KU Leuven Faculty of Engineering Technology (Campus Diepenbeek) |
| Contract Type | Full-Time, 3-Year Fixed Term |
| Contact Person | Prof. Dr. Wilmar Martinez Martinez (wilmar.martinez@kuleuven.be) |
| Application Deadline | August 7, 2026, at 23:59 CET |
Research Area
- High-Frequency Magnetics: Planar and PCB-based magnetic components, integrated and matrix transformers, and new winding/core structures.
- Power Electronics: Isolated DC-DC converters and resonant topologies (LLC, CLL, CLLC) operating from hundreds of kHz up to the MHz range utilizing Wide-Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors (GaN/SiC).
- Modeling & Optimization: High-frequency loss and thermal modeling, finite-element analysis (FEA), and multi-objective Pareto optimization.
- Target Applications: Onboard and fast chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), data center power supplies, aerospace, and high-density energy systems.
Location
- Research Activities: EnergyVille, Genk, Belgium
- Teaching Activities: KU Leuven, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Campus Diepenbeek, Belgium
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree and PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanics, or (Industrial) Engineering Sciences. (Candidates who have not yet defended their PhD at the time of application must obtain their doctorate before the contract start date).
- Technical Expertise:
- Demonstrated expertise in high-frequency magnetic design (transformers, inductors, planar/PCB windings, matrix or integrated structures).
- Deep understanding of isolated DC-DC converters and resonant converters (LLC, CLL, CLLC), including converter modeling, design, and control.
- Hands-on experience in building, testing, and experimentally validating high-power-density hardware prototypes utilizing GaN/SiC WBG components.
- Software & Tools:
- Proficiency in electromagnetic and thermal FEA tools (Ansys Maxwell, Ansys Icepak).
- Proficiency in circuit simulation software (PLECS, SPICE/LTspice).
- Programming expertise in Python and MATLAB.
- Publication Track Record: Strong record as first author in leading peer-reviewed journals and conferences (e.g., IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, IEEE APEC/ECCE).
- Language Proficiency:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dutch (mandatory for teaching obligations).
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience teaching and coordinating courses in Bachelor/Master engineering programs.
- Experience supervising Master’s thesis students or PhD researchers.
- International research experience and an active academic network.
- Patents or academic awards in power electronics or magnetics.
- Track record in obtaining or contributing to competitive research grants (e.g., FWO) and industrial project proposals.
Job Description
- Research & Development: Lead and advance the “High-Frequency Magnetics” research track. Develop new winding and core concepts, run FEA/thermal/loss simulations, perform Pareto optimizations, and construct hardware prototypes for experimental validation in the laboratory.
- Supervision & Funding: Co-supervise PhD candidates and Master’s thesis students, collaborate with industrial partners within EnergyVille, and assist in writing competitive research grant proposals.
- Academic Dissemination: Publish high-impact research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at premier global conferences.
- Teaching Responsibilities: Teach and coordinate undergraduate (Bachelor) courses in Dutch at Campus Diepenbeek within electrical engineering (e.g., electrical machines, electricity, and magnetism), including course management, student guidance, and evaluation.
How to Apply
- Submit your application online via the official KU Leuven Online Application Portal.
- For specific details regarding the project or position, contact Prof. Dr. Wilmar Martinez Martinez at wilmar.martinez@kuleuven.be.
- For questions regarding the online application process, contact solliciteren@kuleuven.be.
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: August 7, 2026 (07/08/2026) at 23:59 CET
