Scientist - InnoTract project - Innovative Traction Systems for Future Automotive Systems (all genders) // Job-ID: 132-1

Your future responsibilities

The Research Unit "Architectures & Topologies" of the SAL Power Electronics Division focuses on new topologies for various inverters, the utilisation of newest switching devices and modules as well as the optimisation of passive technologies in power converters.

For the InnoTract project, we are looking for new colleagues to join the project team.

The scope of the InnoTract project ranges from the component level and its integration into the power modules to the system traction inverter, onboard chargers and DC/DC converters through to overall system integration, taking into account thermal design and cooling aspects.

In your role you will lead the work packages related to the development of voltage source and current source traction inverters. You interface with the power module-, thermal design- and EMI development teams, develop concepts for topologies and support hardware design. You will drive the topic of future traction inverter systems within the research group, write scientific papers above the state of the art and present them to the scientific community at conferences.

Your profile

• PhD in power electronics with focus on traction inverters. 
• Several years of industrial or post-doctoral experience (ideally 3 years) in the field of traction inverters and drives.
• Knowledge and experience with traction inverters and drives  
  • with wide bandgap power devices and their EMI noise emissions to the overall drive train  
  • Modelling and control design  
  • performing tests and verifications on a test bench, and  
  • the connected machines. 
• Knowledge of current source traction inverters would be an advantage. 
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and PCB design software (e.g. Altium Designer) is preferred. 
• Independent and organised working style. 
• Relocation to Graz / Austria. 
• English language skills are essential to work in our multidisciplinary and multicultural team. 

Important Facts about SAL

• End of the application period: 17 October 2024
• Earliest date of employment: 7 January 2025
• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E1 salary = EUR 3.827, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week). For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum gross salary of EUR 61.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract).

About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future 

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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