PhD Scholarship: Corrosion of Power Electronics at DTU
If you are looking for an exciting opportunity for PhD, we at Materials and Surface Engineering section, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark is seeking candidate for one PhD position to work on corrosion failure mechanisms of Power Electronic components under humidity and gas conditions. Environmental effects on electronics are an important area today due to the widespread use of electronics such as electrification of vehicles and use in connection with renewable energy systems, therefore the PhD position provides opportunity to work in this exciting area in collaboration with major industries. This PhD project is part of Center for Climate Robust Electronic Design project funded by Poul Due Jensen’s Foundation, Denmark.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Environmental factors like humidity and gases impact the performance of electronic devices by causing corrosion, which is influenced by the operating parameters of electronic components, such as voltage and power, particularly in PCBAs. New application areas for electronics mean exposure to not only humidity, but also gases such as H2S, SO2, NOx etc. Together with humidity or without, these gases cause corrosion issues if susceptible materials and components exist on electronic parts such as IGBTs or other. Failure mechanisms when humidity and gas involved are more complex and less understood. A significant failure mode is electrochemical migration, which leads to short circuits and fire risk. The morphology and chemistry of dendrites are determined by the humidity and gas conditions, which influence subsequent electrical failure.
This PhD project will investigate the effect H2S, SO2, and NOx gases with and without humidity on mechanistic aspects such as the effect on electrochemical migration (ECM) failure mechanism and their implications for short-circuiting and functional degradation in power electronics components. The study will specifically examine gas corrosion mechanisms in connection with copper and silver, while investigation also will be carried out on specific electronic components such as chip resistors, IGBT substrates etc. Work will also involve electrochemical modelling using existing models and using AI based tools. The focus of the work will be to cater to the needs to high voltage/power in power electronic systems, while avoiding humidity and gas exposure related robustness issues.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Specialization should be in Materials Science and engineering or chemistry or related subjects such as corrosion science and engineering. Masters in electronics engineering with prior experience on humidity/corrosion reliability of electronics is also suitable. For all qualifications, prior experience of corrosion of electronics or similar topics is an advantage. A combination of knowledge in electronics, materials, corrosion, and reliability is preferred.
Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is expected to be 1 October 2025 or according to mutual agreement.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Rajan Ambat, e-mail: jacksonjosephkevinmarshallraamcrystal04@osborn.dkwood-daugherty.dkmartinez-marks.dkdtu.dk or Dr. Kapil Kumar Gupta, e-mail: heidi81kkguptperezdavidconner@wilson.dkdtu.dkgardner.dkwilson-thompson.dk .
You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at www.construct.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 August 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- If relevant, you may add additional documents to the list above
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
***DTU Construct** conducts teaching and research in basic mechanics, advanced design tools, product development, energy systems, coastal hydrodynamics and marine technology. The Department covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within the field of mechanics, including mechanical properties of materials, strength and vibration analyses, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, safety theory and control engineering. The research under the section of Materials and Surface Engineering is multi-disciplinary and covers materials science, chemistry, physics, solid mechanics, and manufacturing technology. Properties and performance are evaluated by mechanical testing, tribology and testing in corrosive (aqueous or gaseous) and high-temperature environments.*
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.