Researcher

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The position is in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences of Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The candidate will work in the EPOWERS group of the  MOBI Research Centre (Electromobility Research Centre). Our Mission as EPOWERS Research Group is to offer and deliver cutting-edge research, provide top-notch designs and developments on power electronics, powertrains and smart green energy solutions with intelligent control systems for tomorrow's mobility, transport and smart green grid applications, with our ever-growing team of top-level researchers and experts. Our academic record at world's most renowned academic journals in relevant fields, a good word from our established national and international collaboration network of companies and research institutes, the content of the ever-growing number of projects we are involved with can be reference to our level of expertise. We follow the local and global tendencies on a daily basis, bilaterally interact and collaborate with all sorts of research, technology, business, public and political entities to contribute in shaping tomorrow's transport, mobility and green energy systems. EPOWERS is also part of MOBI Core Lab within Flanders Make - Driving Innovation. 

What do we expect from you?

You will conduct research on the topic the development of a machine learning-based powertrain digital twin and smart preconditioning for fast-charging applications. Tasks include:
   

• Simulation of the map-based and data-driven powertrain electro-thermal model;
• Assessment framework for smart energy management, lifetime estimation model and cost assessment tool;
• Reliability-oriented design optimization of the powertrain components;
• AI-supported smart fast-charging algorithms to process the thermal preconditioning of the battery prior to the event of a fast charge;
• You will present your work at international conferences and publish your work in Q1 or Q2 journals.

3 - Profile

You have a master’s degree in Engineering or Industrial Sciences. You have good knowledge of object-oriented programming and good expertise in MATLAB and Python.  

You are fluent in written and spoken English. You can work independently.

Applicants holding a PhD are also encouraged to apply.  PhD holders would be hired on the post-doctoral pay scale. 
 

4 - Offer

Will you be our new colleague?

Then we offer you a full-time researcher contract for 12 months (renewable contingent upon positive evaluation).

At the VUB, we guarantee an open, involved and diverse workplace and offer you opportunities to (further) develop your career.
In addition, you enjoy benefits such as:

• Maximum reimbursement for commuting by public transport or a bicycle allowance;
• Free hospitalization insurance;
• The space to shape your job content and to learn continuously via VUB LRN;
• Advantageous sports opportunities;
• Ecocheques;
• Delicious meals in our campus restaurants at an attractive rate;
• An open and family friendly environment with attention to your "work-life balance" and an exceptional leave scheme with 35 leave days (in case of full-time employment).

5 - Interested?

Applications can only be made ONLINE before 30/04/2024.

Your application must include the following as a minimum:
-    Detailed CV
-    Degrees and diplomas
-    Motivation statement

For more information on what it’s like to work at the VUB, go to www.vub.ac.be/en/jobs.