PhD in Multiphysics Optimization of Electric Drive Systems

We are inviting an application for a fully-funded PhD position at the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications, UNSW Sydney, as part of the ARC Discovery Project: Lightweight, Low Rare-earth, Permanent Magnet Motors for Electrified Future.

This project aims to push the power-to-weight ratio of electric motors beyond 5 kW/kg by leveraging buried Halbach magnet arrays with low rare-earth content and integrated direct cooling. The breakthrough in high-specific-power motor design will pave the way for next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), electric aircraft, and drones, creating lighter and more efficient electrified transport solutions.

The project is led by Professor Rukmi Dutta and a team of world-class researchers at UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and North Carolina State University (NCSU), with access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities.

This PhD project will develop a system-level multiphysics optimization tool to maximize the specific power of the motor-inverter drive system without compromising performance.

Key Research Areas:

• Multiphysics modelling and optimization of electric drives.
• Electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical integration for lightweight motors.
• Machine-inverter co-optimization for high-specific-power applications.
• Advanced computational methods for design space exploration.

Requirements:

Essential:

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related fields (Honours or equivalent with GPA >80%).
• A Master's by research (completed or in the final year) is highly desirable.
• Strong background in power electronics, motor drive systems, and control.
• Experience with optimization techniques and system-level modelling.
• Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink, Python, or other computational tools.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with PCB finite element modelling (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, JMAG, or Altair Flux).
• PCB design skills and experience (e.g., Altium, Eagle, etc.)
• Background in thermal and mechanical constraints in high-performance drive systems.
• Exposure to machine learning techniques for optimization.

Scholarship

$38,438 per annum (2025 rate) for 3.5 years

Eligibility

Domestic and International PhD applicants

Why Apply?

• Work on a cutting-edge ARC Discovery Project with a leading research team.
• Collaborate with top-tier institutions: UNSW Sydney, UTS, and NCSU.
• Access world-class laboratory and computational resources.
• Develop expertise in next-generation high-performance electric machines and drive systems.
• Be part of a research project with direct industrial relevance in EVs, electric aviation, etc.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send the following documents to Professor Rukmi Dutta at rukmi.dutta@unsw.edu.au with the subject "PhD Application – [Position Name]" by the deadline 1 April 2025.

• CV: A comprehensive academic CV that includes details of your educational background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant work experience.
• Relevant Publications: Copies of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the topic. This may include journal articles, conference papers, or other scholarly outputs demonstrating your research expertise.
• UG and PG Degrees and Transcripts: Official transcripts of your undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, including detailed grades and confirmation of degree completions.
• Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter outlining your experience relevant to the project topic, particularly any experimental work, electric drive expertise, and prior research contributions.

Application Deadline:

1 April 2025