PhD Position in MSCA Doctoral Network PARASOL: Optimising electromagnetic shielding at the Integrated Circuit (IC) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) level

(ref. BAP-2023-264)

The PARASOL consortium groups 6 hiring Universities: TU Eindhoven (NL), University of Twente (NL), KU Leuven (BE), Tomáš Bata University (CZ), University of York (UK) and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (ES). Together, these universities have a proven track record in the management of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Material Engineering, Sustainability Management, and System-Safety Engineering, and are the leaders in their field in Europe. 16 Industrial Partners are completing the Doctoral Network, and representing the complete life cycle of (future) shielding solutions dedicated to Mobility: starting with development of Innovative Material (DSM, Dycomet), design and packaging of Integrated Chips and Power Switches (NXP, CITC, Dynex), Interconnects and Cables design (Ferristorm, Radiotechnika, Schlegel) and, to ensure completeness of the traning program, all means of transport with cars (Jaguar-Land-Rover, Ford, Lotus), trains (Siemens), planes (NLR, Evektor) and ships (Thales). Each of the 12 PARASOL Doctoral Researchers will be trained to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with a new mindset tuned towards the inclusion of the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework - a holistic approach that integrates the safety, circularity, energy efficiency and functionality of materials, products, and processes throughout their lifecycle – into the design of innovative shielding solutions for mobility. For this inclusion to occur, each Doctoral Researcher will develop through their research the missing dedicated materials, tools and techniques, and apply them to a representative set of shielding solutions under development. This hands-on training is supplemented with several scientific professional courses and an immersive training where the Doctoral Researchers can fine-tune their skills for the Jobs of tomorrow, while addressing the societal challenges of the PARASOL program. This particular PhD-position will be executed with the M-Group at KU Leuven Bruges Campus.
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Project
This Doctoral Researcher will develop a characterization method to measure the absorption of multiple materials under different electromagnetic conditions. The measurement results of these materials will directly lead to a very specific guidelines on how and when to apply these materials within the framework of the SSbD approach. Containing the electromagnetic emissions within a confined space is mostly achieved by implementing shielding materials like board level shields, gaskets, etc. Despite their efficiency, some downsides exist (e.g., heat conduction, space, etc.) by implementing these materials. Another solution is to employ specific absorbers on the radiating parts directly to decrease their emissions. There are, however, not many easy-to-use characterization methods to measure the shielding capabilities of absorbers. Also, the absorption of those materials would depend on the type of electromagnetic source.

Profile
Career stage: Early Stage Researcher

Eligibility Criteria

• Supported researchers must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• Conditions of international mobility of researchers: researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• English language: candidates must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.

Offer
The successful candidates will receive an attractive salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers. The exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment and is dependent on local tax regulations and on the country correction factor (to allow for the difference in cost of living in different EU Member States). The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if married). The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e. EC funding, additional funding is possible, depending on the local Supervisor, and in accordance with the regular PhD time in the country of origin). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all fellows will benefit from further continuing education, which includes internships and secondments, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences.


Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Davy Pissoort, tel.: +32 50 66 48 49, mail: davy.pissoort@kuleuven.be or Mr. Tim Claeys, tel.: +32 50 66 48 48, mail: tim.claeys@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than June 30, 2023 via the online application tool
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.