PhD Position in Laser Power Conversion for Space Applications
Join CiTIUS as a predoctoral researcher and contribute to the development of breakthrough silicon carbide technologies for high-efficiency laser power transmission within the European EIC Pathfinder project RePowerSiC.
High power laser transmission (HPLT) consists of the transmission of power via laser onto a photovoltaic receiver. The transmission could be through optic fiber, replacing conventional copper wires, or through free space, suitable for aerospace environments. There are many applications of this technology, such as the simultaneous transfer of power and data or optically powering remote antennas, aerial vehicles or even satellites.
Launch your PhD within a prestigious European EIC Pathfinder project
Current HPLT technology faces two major limitations: the intrinsic entropic losses associated to low bandgap materials (such as GaAs) and the series resistance losses that degrade the device performance at high power densities. To overcome these limitations, RePowerSiC aims to develop a new breakthrough LPC technology based on two key elements, the use of silicon carbide (SiC) and the development of new device architectures.
The PhD work proposed is integrated within the European PATHFINDER RePowerSiC project. The aim is to develop trustworthy TCAD models for SiC-based laser power converters, measure critical material properties of SiC crystals, test the electrical characteristics of the LPC prototypes, and evaluate their viability in laboratory conditions.
This PhD work will be developed at the CITIUS in the University of Santiago de Compostela, in collaboration with project partners from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Universidad de Jaén, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet, SenSiC, Alminica AB, and with several space agencies and companies.
This position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in semiconductor devices, electronic materials and advanced modelling while contributing to a pioneering European research project in laser power transmission and space technologies.
Who we are
CiTIUS is the Intelligent Technologies Research Centre of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain. Researchers at CiTIUS work in an international, interdisciplinary environment where cutting-edge research is carried out in collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners.
Researchers at CiTIUS benefit from:
- An international and collaborative research environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and scientific career development.
- State-of-the-art research infrastructures.
- Strong collaborations with leading European universities, research centres and companies.
The position is based in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), a UNESCO World Heritage City renowned for its quality of life, cultural heritage and vibrant academic community.
Work alongside leading universities, industry and space organisations
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- A Master's degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or similar.
- Knowledge on semiconductor physics and electronic device physics.
- Good academic record.
- Great motivation for scientific work and ability for teamwork.
- Full proficiency in English.
- Starting date around October 2026.
What we Offer
- The selected candidate would start her/his PhD in our group, hired from a highly competitive European research project (PATHFINDER CHALLENGE) with an expected duration of 3 to 4 years.
- Competitive salary.
- High impact research.
- Collaboration with several leading European research entities.
- Funds for attendance to scientific conferences worldwide.
- Research stays in partner labs in Europe, Japan or USA.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application using the form below.
Applications should include:
- A motivation letter.
- A complete CV.
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Contact
Questions regarding this call or the application process may be addressed to:
(To protect this page from automated spam, contact information will be displayed after completing a short captcha verification)
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High power laser transmission (HPLT) consists of the transmission of power via laser onto a photovoltaic receiver. The transmission could be through optic fiber, replacing conventional copper wires, or through free space, suitable for aerospace environments. There are many applications of this technology, such as the simultaneous transfer of power and data or optically powering remote antennas, aerial vehicles or even satellites.
Launch your PhD within a prestigious European EIC Pathfinder project
Current HPLT technology faces two major limitations: the intrinsic entropic losses associated to low bandgap materials (such as GaAs) and the series resistance losses that degrade the device performance at high power densities. To overcome these limitations, RePowerSiC aims to develop a new breakthrough LPC technology based on two key elements, the use of silicon carbide (SiC) and the development of new device architectures.
The PhD work proposed is integrated within the European PATHFINDER RePowerSiC project. The aim is to develop trustworthy TCAD models for SiC-based laser power converters, measure critical material properties of SiC crystals, test the electrical characteristics of the LPC prototypes, and evaluate their viability in laboratory conditions.
This PhD work will be developed at the CITIUS in the University of Santiago de Compostela, in collaboration with project partners from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Universidad de Jaén, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet, SenSiC, Alminica AB, and with several space agencies and companies.
This position is ideal for candidates interested in pursuing a PhD in semiconductor devices, electronic materials and advanced modelling while contributing to a pioneering European research project in laser power transmission and space technologies.
Who we are
CiTIUS is the Intelligent Technologies Research Centre of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain. Researchers at CiTIUS work in an international, interdisciplinary environment where cutting-edge research is carried out in collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners.
Researchers at CiTIUS benefit from:
- An international and collaborative research environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and scientific career development.
- State-of-the-art research infrastructures.
- Strong collaborations with leading European universities, research centres and companies.
The position is based in Santiago de Compostela (Spain), a UNESCO World Heritage City renowned for its quality of life, cultural heritage and vibrant academic community.
Work alongside leading universities, industry and space organisations
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- A Master's degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or similar.
- Knowledge on semiconductor physics and electronic device physics.
- Good academic record.
- Great motivation for scientific work and ability for teamwork.
- Full proficiency in English.
- Starting date around October 2026.
What we Offer
- The selected candidate would start her/his PhD in our group, hired from a highly competitive European research project (PATHFINDER CHALLENGE) with an expected duration of 3 to 4 years.
- Competitive salary.
- High impact research.
- Collaboration with several leading European research entities.
- Funds for attendance to scientific conferences worldwide.
- Research stays in partner labs in Europe, Japan or USA.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application using the form below.
Applications should include:
- A motivation letter.
- A complete CV.
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
Contact
Questions regarding this call or the application process may be addressed to:
(To protect this page from automated spam, contact information will be displayed after completing a short captcha verification)