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The Doctoral School of Industry Innovations (DSII) at Tampere University (TAU) explores research questions that are directly relevant to industry and business. Tampere University is seeking a Doctoral Researcher to complete a four-year dissertation project under the joint supervision of a university professor and a company representative.
DSII offers Doctoral Researchers a unique opportunity to undertake dissertation research, gain a thorough understanding of product development, tackle real-world business challenges and expand their professional networks.
The partner company for this position is GE Vernova, a leader in energy technology, focuses on innovative solutions in power generation, grid infrastructure, and energy storage to support the transition to sustainable energy systems (see https://www.gevernova.com/).
JOB DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the job is to create new knowledge for academia and industry in the field of power electronics. The goals are:
- Development of control methods for utility-scale power electronic converters operating as static synchronous compensators (STATCOMs).
- Development of software tools to support the design, testing, and validation of the proposed control methods.
As a Doctoral Researcher you will first develop and test the control methods in a simulation environment such as Matlab. In a second step, the methods will be implemented in a hardware-in-the-loop simulator. Finally, they will be run on a low-voltage lab prototype. The tasks of doctoral researchers also include teaching duties that amount to approximately 5% of their annual working hours, unless there are justified reasons to the contrary.
At the university, the work will be supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Petros Karamanakos. You will also be supported by practitioners in the steering group, including company representatives.
By participating in DSII events, excursions, meetings and training sessions with your fellow doctoral students, you will both get and provide peer support and make your own contribution to the development of DSII.
REQUIREMENTS
You need to have an applicable higher university degree in electrical engineering, or a related discipline in science or engineering. The position requires a background and/or interest and/or experience in power electronics (power converters, modulation methods), control theory (modern control theory, optimal control), mathematics and optimization (convex and nonconvex optimization), embedded programming, and microprocessors. You also need to have an inquiring mind, enjoy problem-solving and be able to think independently while also being able to work in a team. A good command of English, both in writing and in oral presentations, is required.
Please note that before commencing in the position, the selected candidate must apply for a study right within the doctoral programme at Tampere University, unless they already have one. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on eligibility requirements.
Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition / Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.
WE OFFER
The full-time position will be filled for a fixed-term period of four (4) years, commencing in October 2026 or as soon after that as possible. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees. Remote work opportunities are agreed separately when needed.
The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of doctoral researcher is placed on level 2-4 of the job requirements scale. A typical starting salary for a Doctoral Researcher is approximately 2800 EUR per month, and it will increase during the studies based on the progress towards a completed doctoral degree (up to about 3600 EUR/month).
We invite you to participate in a vibrant, active, and truly international research community. Our research group “Power Electronic Systems” at the Electrical Engineering Unit, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences of Tampere University focuses on the development of modulation and control techniques for power electronic systems. We work at the intersection of power electronics, optimal control and modulation, computational intelligence, mathematical programming, and embedded systems. Our vision is to develop software solutions that fully utilize the capability of the power electronic hardware by operating the system close to its physical limits, with main applications being variable speed drives and grid-connected converters.
The University has a strong commitment to the highest level of scientific research and the provision of high-quality doctoral education. The faculty as well as the Doctoral School of Industry Innovations support the doctoral students by offering training and peer support. Doctoral students in DSII develop vital skills, enabling them to conduct agile, customer-oriented research, development and business. The University offers a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus, and several on-campus restaurants and cafés with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.
Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of Finland´s three most rapidly growing urban areas and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. For more information on Tampere, please visit here.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is June 30th, 2026 (23:59 EEST / UTC +3). Please write your application and all the accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format.
Please attach only the following documents to your application:
- A letter of motivation and description of your research interests (max. 1 page, A4, font size 12)
- Curriculum Vitae (including the contact details of two referees)
- List of publications
- Degree certificates
- Transcript of records (master's degree studies)
For further information, please contact:
Associate Professor Petros Karamanakos, petros.karamanakos (at) tuni.fi
