Future Students
PhD Student in Power Electronics and Controls for Electric Vehicles
Position Overview: CHARGE Lab at the University of Windsor is seeking highly motivated and talented PhD students with expertise ONLY in power electronics and controls for electric vehicle applications to join our research team. The successful candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research with our industry partner, Magna International Inc. Regular interactions with senior engineers from Magna will promote professional development and technical skills.
Funding opportunities: Competitive funding opportunities in the form of research assistantships and graduate assistantships are available. Outstanding candidates will also be eligible to receive internal scholarships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Simulation of power electronic architectures and circuits towards the development of advanced inverters, DC/DC converters, battery chargers and battery management systems using software tools such as Matlab/Simulink, SPICE, PSIM, PLECS, Ansys, Python, etc.
- Design and prototype power electronics sub-systems and systems
- Design & assemble PCB with relevant software such as Altium and hardware tools
- Testing of power electronics, controls and electric powertrain in relevant environment
- Review technical literature, state-of-the-art technologies, modeling techniques and market trends to stay informed about emerging and current technologies and methods in the electric powertrain and power electronics for electric vehicle areas
- Work with identified suppliers and external teams
- Work with other Magna engineers to develop system-level simulations by integrating various subsystems
- Solve engineering challenges in the powertrain and power electronics domain through innovative solutions to improve power density, efficiency, cost and reliability of subsystems and overall vehicle
- Implement controls and codes into embedded systems for validation testing (HIL, dynamometer, etc.)
- Publish research findings in patents and high‐impact journals, and present at academic conferences
- Collaborate closely with research staff and Magna to achieve project goals. Actively participate in regular project meetings and contribute to progress reports. Mentor undergraduate students and assist with laboratory activities. On-site attendance at the CHARGE Laboratory and other industry sites is mandatory.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related
- Strong background in the theoretical knowledge of power electronics, motor drives, and electric vehicles.
- Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with relevant libraries.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated research experience with publications in relevant journals or
- Ability to conduct independent research and publish findings.
Desired Skills and Attributes:
- Experience in the automotive industry and/or with electric vehicles.
- Record of publications in high-impact journals and conferences.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- High level of motivation and commitment to research
Application Process:
Only qualified candidates are encouraged to send their CV and academic transcripts to Dr. Narayan Kar. Email at nkar@uwindsor.ca by February 15, 2025 with the subject “Posting 2025–01–PE&C–Your Name”. The full application should be sent in a single PDF file.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
PhD Student in Power Electronics and Controls for Electric Vehicles
Position Overview: CHARGE Lab at the University of Windsor is seeking highly motivated and talented PhD students with expertise ONLY in power electronics and controls for electric vehicle applications to join our research team. The successful candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research with our industry partner, Magna International Inc. Regular interactions with senior engineers from Magna will promote professional development and technical skills.
Funding opportunities: Competitive funding opportunities in the form of research assistantships and graduate assistantships are available. Outstanding candidates will also be eligible to receive internal scholarships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Simulation of power electronic architectures and circuits towards the development of advanced inverters, DC/DC converters, battery chargers and battery management systems using software tools such as Matlab/Simulink, SPICE, PSIM, PLECS, Ansys, Python, etc.
- Design and prototype power electronics sub-systems and systems
- Design & assemble PCB with relevant software such as Altium and hardware tools
- Testing of power electronics, controls and electric powertrain in relevant environment
- Review technical literature, state-of-the-art technologies, modeling techniques and market trends to stay informed about emerging and current technologies and methods in the electric powertrain and power electronics for electric vehicle areas
- Work with identified suppliers and external teams
- Work with other Magna engineers to develop system-level simulations by integrating various subsystems
- Solve engineering challenges in the powertrain and power electronics domain through innovative solutions to improve power density, efficiency, cost and reliability of subsystems and overall vehicle
- Implement controls and codes into embedded systems for validation testing (HIL, dynamometer, etc.)
- Publish research findings in patents and high‐impact journals, and present at academic conferences
- Collaborate closely with research staff and Magna to achieve project goals. Actively participate in regular project meetings and contribute to progress reports. Mentor undergraduate students and assist with laboratory activities. On-site attendance at the CHARGE Laboratory and other industry sites is mandatory.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related
- Strong background in the theoretical knowledge of power electronics, motor drives, and electric vehicles.
- Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with relevant libraries.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated research experience with publications in relevant journals or
- Ability to conduct independent research and publish findings.
Desired Skills and Attributes:
- Experience in the automotive industry and/or with electric vehicles.
- Record of publications in high-impact journals and conferences.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork
- High level of motivation and commitment to research
Application Process:
Only qualified candidates are encouraged to send their CV and academic transcripts to Dr. Narayan Kar. Email at nkar@uwindsor.ca by February 15, 2025 with the subject “Posting 2025–01–PE&C–Your Name”. The full application should be sent in a single PDF file.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Research Internships
Electric Vehicle Component Testing Technology Internship
CHARGE Lab at the University of Windsor is an internationally recognized R&D, component, and system design and test center that fosters cross-disciplinary research collaboration among materials, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. It is competitive with other leading North American automotive labs in design, development, and testing of electric powertrain components. We are currently seeking passionate and talented individuals to join our team as Electric Vehicle Component Testing Technology Interns for the Fall 2023 – Winter 2024 semester.
Internship Description:
As an Electric Vehicle Component Testing Technology Intern, you will have the opportunity to gain both theoretical and hands-on experience in various areas of the organization, contributing to the development and testing of innovative electric vehicle technologies. This internship program offers a challenging and rewarding experience where you will work closely with experienced industry professionals and contribute to real-world projects that shape the future of electric transportation.
Details:
- Paid internship opportunity
- Duration: 1 or 2 semesters
- Location: GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
Areas of Opportunity:
- Electrical/ Controls Design
- Mechanical Design
- Software Design
- Application Engineering
- Electronics Design
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science at the University of Windsor
- Priority will be given to undergraduate students willing to pursue graduate studies with CHARGE Lab
- Minimum GPA requirement of 80%.
- Strong technical and analytical skills.
- Passionate about electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
Application Process:
To apply for this internship, please submit the following documents:
- Updated resume highlighting relevant coursework, skills, and experiences.
- A brief cover letter expressing your interest in electric vehicle technology research and this internship opportunity.
- Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted).
- Any relevant project portfolios or additional supporting documents.
Please email your application to Ivona Bilbilovska (Ivonab@uwindsor.ca) and Dr. Narayan Kar (nkar@uwindsor.ca) with the subject line “Electric Vehicle Component Testing Technology Internship Application.“
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation and interviews.
The University of Windsor is a welcoming community that is committed to equity and supports diversity in its teaching, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of the University’s Employment Equity Plan, members from the designated groups (Women, Aboriginal Peoples, Visible Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, and Sexual Minorities) are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.
If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the CHARGE Lab Coordinator – Ivona Bilbilovska (Ivonab@uwindsor.ca)
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of the future of transportation and contribute to the advancement of electrification! Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the automotive industry.