A PhD Student in Electronics with Focus on Self-Powered Smart Bearings

At the department, education is conducted in the subjects of computer engineering, electronics, electrical engineering and sound production. The research at the department takes place at the research center Sensible Things that Communicate (www.miun.se/stc) and deals with sensor-based systems and services for use within the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

Job description
Independent third-cycle studies encompassing research (100%). The research work for this PhD position will be carried out in the Autonomous Sensor Systems group. You will be part of a large European research project on Internet of Things (IoT) devices with long operating lifetime. This will be achieved by developing and integrating energy harvesting solutions into equipment and infrastructure to enhance battery life or replace batteries entirely.

This PhD position focuses on a case of smart bearings. Bearings are often a point of concern in industrial and transport systems, as they are critical components. Degradation and maintenance needs should therefore be detected in good time with the help of monitoring systems. In this project, electromagnetic transducers will be developed and optimized to harvest energy from rotations and to obtain relevant signals about the operation and status of the bearing. This will include the analysis of transducer structures in simulation and experiments, the evaluation of trade-offs between optimisations for harvesting or sensing, signal analysis with machine learning, as well as system integration.

As a PhD student in the Autonomous Sensor Systems group, you will be a vital part of the research group, collaborating with other PhD students, post-docs and senior researchers. Your studies will consist of courses and own research work, developing your competences through theory and experiments. You are expected to bring forward own ideas in the development of your research agenda, and to contribute to the publication and presentation of results. The research group, in turn, will provide a forum for discussion, supervision and assistance during your studies, supporting your research and career development. You will be part of a leading group in the field of low-power sensing systems and be able to exploit the groups large international network.

Entry requirements
General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in the subject of electrical engineering, electronics engineering or computer engineering, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Assessment criteria
The assessment of applications to this PhD position will be based on the applicants’ previous experience (e.g., thesis works, projects, internships, and work experience), the relevance of undergone educational programmes and courses, results of previous studies, and the applicants’ vision for the intended PhD studies.

We see it as an advantage if you enjoy working at the intersection of mechanical and electrical systems, and have previous experience with sensor or transducer utilization, development and/or optimization through simulation and/or experimental work. Previous experience with energy harvesting and/or machine learning is beneficial, but not mandatory. You should have previous experience in programming in, for example, Python, Matlab, or C++.

Personal qualities
In addition to your technical competences, your suitability for PhD studies will be evaluated based on your ability to collaborate with others, to work independently, and to communicate clearly.

Employment process
Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures .

Terms of employment
The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 1 September 2023, or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: Sundsvall

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.

Information
For more detailed information contact Prof. Bengt Oelmann (email: bengt.oelmann@miun.se, phone: +46 (0) 10 142 87 02), or the Head of department, Patrik Österberg (email: patrik.osterberg@miun.se, phone: +46 (0) 10 142 86 14).

Application
Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English.

The application must include a CV, transcripts from your prior degree programme(s), and a letter of motivation.

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 2023-06-20.

Mid Sweden University has two campuses; in Sundsvall and in Östersund, both located close to students, colleagues and the surrounding society. At the same time, it is located conveniently close to the sea, forests and mountains, which provides a great quality of life. Here, new knowledge is created by means of internationally successful research and education that contribute to the development of our society. This way, we actively contribute to a sustainable future and a better world. Welcome to a university where people meet, get inspired and think in new ways.  Mid Sweden University works actively for equal opportunities and strives to embrace the qualities that diversity and equality bring to the organization. Prior to any recruitment work, Mid Sweden University has taken a position on consulting support, recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore kindly ask media vendors, recruitment sites and the like not to contact us.

• Contract typeFull time
• First day of employmentThe entry date is 1 September 2023, or as agreed.
• SalaryAccording to salary ladder for doctoral students
• Number of positions1
• Working hours100%
• CitySundsvall
• CountyVästernorrlands län
• CountrySweden
• Reference numberMIUN 2023/1395
• Union representative
  1. Ummis Jonsson, SACO, 010-1428809
  2. Per Bergman, Fackförbundet ST, 010-1428371
• Published2023-05-25
• Last application date2023-06-20