Postdoctoral Fellow in Electromechanical Engineering (Ghent University)

Department: TW08 – Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering Occupancy Rate: 100% Vacancy Type: Research Staff Application Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59 Location: Electrical Energy Laboratory, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Zwijnaarde, Belgium About Ghent University Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. The Energy & Systems Laboratory (EnSy) is participating in a regional research project, Stratus, with a duration of 4 years. Your Tasks The Stratus project investigates how drone motors can be designed and manufactured without critical materials, while maintaining high performance in power density and efficiency. Critical materials include rare-earth magnets and copper; aluminum will be used as a substitute for copper windings. Alternative solutions, including electrically excited systems (with or without ferrite materials), will be explored. Ensuring manufacturability for mass production is a core focus from the early design stages. As a PhD student, you will: Develop multiphysics models (electromagnetic and thermal) of electric motors. Assess and ensure manufacturability of all motor components. Construct prototype motors and conduct extensive testing. Collaborate with industrial partners on design, manufacturing, and drone application aspects. What We Are Looking For Master of Science in Engineering, preferably in electromechanical or electrical engineering. Motivated, creative, and passionate about academic research. Affinity for both experimental research and simulation software. Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in electric machines; knowledge of power electronics and control is a plus. Good communication skills in English. Interest in challenging, multidisciplinary, international scientific research. What We Can Offer Full-time doctoral fellowship for an initial 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 48 months after positive evaluation. Fellowship amount: 100% of the net salary of an AAP member (dependent on family status and seniority), tax-free if conditions of doctoral fellowship regulations are met. Benefits for Ghent University staff: training and education opportunities, 36 days of annual leave plus fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance, ecocheques, and more. Work in a stimulating environment at the Electrical Energy Laboratory, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Zwijnaarde. Interested? Applications should be sent by email to: Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be Peter.Sergeant@UGent.be Required documents: cover letter and CV. Reference letters are not required at application stage. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may be given a small assignment. Flexible starting date, preferably as soon as possible. For more information about the PhD topic, contact: Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy

Department: TW08 – Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering
Occupancy Rate: 100%
Vacancy Type: Research Staff
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59
Location: Electrical Energy Laboratory, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Zwijnaarde, Belgium

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. The Energy & Systems Laboratory (EnSy) is participating in a regional research project, Stratus, with a duration of 4 years.

Your Tasks

The Stratus project investigates how drone motors can be designed and manufactured without critical materials, while maintaining high performance in power density and efficiency.

Critical materials include rare-earth magnets and copper; aluminum will be used as a substitute for copper windings.
Alternative solutions, including electrically excited systems (with or without ferrite materials), will be explored.
Ensuring manufacturability for mass production is a core focus from the early design stages.

As a PhD student, you will:

Develop multiphysics models (electromagnetic and thermal) of electric motors.
Assess and ensure manufacturability of all motor components.
Construct prototype motors and conduct extensive testing.
Collaborate with industrial partners on design, manufacturing, and drone application aspects.

What We Are Looking For

Master of Science in Engineering, preferably in electromechanical or electrical engineering.
Motivated, creative, and passionate about academic research.
Affinity for both experimental research and simulation software.
Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in electric machines; knowledge of power electronics and control is a plus.
Good communication skills in English.
Interest in challenging, multidisciplinary, international scientific research.

What We Can Offer

Full-time doctoral fellowship for an initial 12 months, extendable to a maximum of 48 months after positive evaluation.
Fellowship amount: 100% of the net salary of an AAP member (dependent on family status and seniority), tax-free if conditions of doctoral fellowship regulations are met.
Benefits for Ghent University staff: training and education opportunities, 36 days of annual leave plus fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance, ecocheques, and more.
Work in a stimulating environment at the Electrical Energy Laboratory, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Zwijnaarde.

Interested?

Applications should be sent by email to:

Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be
Peter.Sergeant@UGent.be

Required documents: cover letter and CV.

Reference letters are not required at application stage.
Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may be given a small assignment.
Flexible starting date, preferably as soon as possible.

For more information about the PhD topic, contact: Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy

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