Postion: Postdoctoral Research Associate for research project "High power density DC converters of 48V power supply systems used for datacentres"

Job Location：Nanjing, Jiangsu province

Job Type: Full time

Annual Salary:  RMB 300,000 yuan 

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Power Electronics Applications to join the research group of Dr Teng Long in the Cambridge University Nanjing Innovation Centre (Nanjing Centre) and the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. This post is mainly based in the Nanjing Centre but affiliated to the University of Cambridge and required to work in Cambridge, UK too.

The post holder will conduct a research project of 48V DC power supply systems for datacenter applications. This project will investigate the topology, power electronic devices, passive component, PCB layout and control of 48 to 12 and 48 to 4V DC-DC converter. The converter needs to have very high power density and efficiency and the rated power is 600 W or above. Full-scale, nearly product-level converter prototypes will be built and tested including the auxiliary circuit.

The post holder also takes responsibilities of continuously building the power electronic laboratory in Nanjing Centre including lab asset procurement and management. The post holder is expected to assist the Principal Investigator on commercialization promotion and further grant application. Minimum four weeks’ time is required for the post holder to work in the University of Cambridge in the UK.

The successful applicant must have, or be close to obtaining, a PhD degree; experience with sufficient breadth/depth of specialist knowledge in converter design and development (gate drives, PWM, DC/DC, power electronics thermal analysis). Skills in modelling and embedded controller implementation (proficient in MATALB/Simulink/PLECS, DSP, FPGA/CPLD, PCB). Thermal modelling of power electronics and converters. Extensive prototyping and experimental experience of low voltage high power switch-mode power converters, extensive PCB design experience and capable of designing multilayer PCBs, using emerging SMD components, measuring impedance at high frequency, planar inductor or similar type inductive component design; excellent communication skills; experience of managing own workload.

Key responsibilities:

1. Research into switch-mode DC-DC converters (70%):

• Power electronic circuit topology studies and review
• Electro-thermal modelling of power electronics based converters
• Power electronic device gate drives
• PWM and control design and implementation
• Inductive component design and prototyping
• SMD components characterization and application, using VNA to measure impedance
• PCB design, materials, techniques
• Power electronics testing
• Knowledge of datacenter application and ICs

2. Writing research publications and documentation 10%
3. Managing the lab including asset procurement and management 10%

4. Assisting PI in preparing grant applications and commercialization promotion 10%

Job Qualification

1. Education and qualification

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

2. Specialist knowledge

Experience with sufficient breadth/depth of specialist knowledge in converter design and development (gate drives, PWM, DC/AC, DC/DC, power electronics thermal analysis), knowledge in electromagnetic component design and prototyping, extensive hands-on experience with skills in modelling, embedded controllers, PCB design and inductive component design and prototyping.

3. Research and scholarship

Minimum one accepted/published journal paper

4. Communication

Evidence of writing reports and presenting to industrial funders and at academic conferences. Evidence of working autonomously, meeting deadlines, setting targets, prioritising and taking personal responsibility.

5. Skills

Modelling and embedded controller implementation (proficient in MATALB/Simulink/PLECS, DSP, FPGA/CPLD, PCB). Thermal modelling of power electronics and converters. Extensive prototyping and experimental experience of low voltage high power switch-mode power converters, extensive PCB design experience and capable of designing multilayer PCBs, using emerging SMD components, measuring impedance at high frequency, planar inductor or similar type inductive component design.

6. Experience

Experience and skills of high power density, high efficiency switch-mode DC-DC converters with tracked records. Evidence of using DSP, FPGA/CLPD embedded controllers. Evidence of measuring impedance of SMD components from DC to high frequencies. Evidence of high frequency high current density PCB design including skills and experience in cooling, layout and signal integrity.Evidence of inductive component design, in particular planar inductor/transformer design. Previous post-doctoral experience or industrial experience is desirable but not essential

7. Development

Willingness to continually update knowledge in the specialist area and engage in continuous professional development.