Job offer

BESCAPE ("Advanced Wide Bandgap-based Power Processing and Management for Future Space Exploration") is a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Joint Doctorate (DN-JD) initiative developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and leading European space companies. The project addresses emerging challenges in power conversion, advanced control, and power distribution systems for future human space exploration missions. BESCAPE brings together a highly international consortium comprising 11 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) distributed across leading European universities and research institutions. The academic beneficiaries include Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain), Universiteit Twente (UT, The Netherlands), Universidad de Oviedo (UNIOVI, Spain), KU Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), Université de Mons (UMONS, Belgium), Ghent University (UGent, Belgium), Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD, Italy), and Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH, Spain). These academic partners collaborate closely with space-sector stakeholders, including the European Space Agency (ESA, The Netherlands), Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo, Italy), IMEC (Belgium), Thales Alenia Space Belgium (TAS-B, Belgium), OHB System AG (OHB, Germany), and CRISA-AIRBUS (Spain), creating a unique research and training environment that combines academic excellence with industrial and space-sector expertise.

The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) offers 1 fully funded PhD position "Architecture Analysis and Models Development of DC Micro Grid for New Gateway Electrical Power Subsystems" within this international research network, providing the opportunity to work closely with leading academic experts, ESA researchers, and industrial partners while contributing to technologies for future space missions.

Host Institution: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) Supervisors from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain). Joint Degree Partner Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD, Italy). Industrial Mentors: European Space Agency - ESA (The Netherlands) and CRISA-AIRBUS (Spain). Objective: This project focuses on the modelling and analysis of advanced Power Distribution Systems for future space platforms. The selected candidate will develop accurate system models and a Digital Twin of a Space Station DC Micro Grid integrating solar generation, battery storage, and power conversion units, enabling performance assessment and stability analysis under different operating conditions. Secondments: ESA (during 3 months): training on the Power Distribution Systems and the challenges for the coming Space exploration missions. UNIPD (during 6 Months): advanced training in control techniques and digital control to be applied in the Digital Twin models and to follow the PhD courses from UNIPD for the Joint Degree.

Master Degree or equivalent, Bachelor Degree or equivalent, We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines. Experience in power electronics, modelling and control of power converters and power systems, energy conversion, modelling, simulation and programming tools (e.g. MATLAB, Simulink, Python), or related research areas will be considered an advantage. Strong analytical skills, a research-oriented mindset, and excellent communication skills in English are highly valued. Specific Requirements

MSCA Eligibility Criteria

1. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment.
2. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree.
3. Candidates must meet admission requirements for the PhD programs at UPM and UNIPD university.
4. Nationality: Open to candidates of any nationality from around the world.

Languages ENGLISH

Research Field Engineering » Electronic engineeringEngineering » Electrical engineering

Years of Research Experience 1 - 4, 1. Knowledge and experience in power electronics (10%)

2. Design and optimization of power supplies. (20%)
3. Modelling and control of power converters and energy conversion systems (DC Microgrids,…). (20%)
4. Digital control (10%)
5. Skilled in modelling, simulation and programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python, ANSYS, Comsol etc.) (10%)
6. Skilled in Hardware in the Loop equipment (e.g. Opal-RT, Typhoon HIL, etc.) (10%)
7. Sufficient training and experience for the optimal performance of the described tasks. (10%)
8. Good communication skills; critical and creative mindset, able to formulate your own research questions; excellent proficiency in English (speaking, listening and writing) (10%)

Double / Joint PhD Degree Successful candidates will obtain a joint doctoral degree awarded by UPM and UNIPD. International Training Programme Joining BESCAPE offers a unique opportunity to develop a PhD within an international network involving leading universities, ESA, and major European space companies. Candidates will benefit from:

• International secondments at ESA and leading European institutions.
• Participation in specialized BESCAPE Summer Schools and training events.
• Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers and industry experts.
• Competitive MSCA funding package including Living, Mobility, and Family Allowances (where applicable).
• Full employment contract and social security coverage under Spanish legislation.

Salary & Financial Conditions The position is funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks programme through the BESCAPE project (Grant Agreement No. 101312786). The position is funded by the European Union's MSCA program and includes a competitive salary composed of a Living Allowance (adjusted by the country correction coefficient), a Mobility Allowance, and, if applicable, a Family Allowance. Gross Salary before deductions: 39593.70€ per year. Eligibility criteria