A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow for a 12-month appointment focused on the design and development of power electronics, active harmonic filters and advanced control systems. The position is supported by Michigan Translational Research & Commercialization (MTRAC) Advanced Transportation Program, aimed at addressing power quality challenges in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The selected candidate will contribute to the modeling, simulation, and prototyping of innovative hardware solutions, including harmonic mitigation and thermal optimization. The role offers an excellent opportunity to work alongside interdisciplinary teams and industry partners, and to contribute to real-world impact in the growing field of electric mobility.

This position reports directly to Dr. Ali Arefifar.

This is a one (1) year term limited position with the possibility for extension contingent on performance and funding.

• Design, model, and optimize power electronic systems with a focus on inverters and active filter-based harmonic mitigation, thermal performance, and control strategies.
• Develop and implement advanced control algorithms for real-time operation and performance enhancement of power electronic converters and transformer-based solutions.
• Perform hardware-in-the-loop simulations, prototype development, and bench-level testing to validate design concepts and control implementations.
• Review and analyze relevant literature, industry standards, and emerging technologies to inform system design decisions and identify innovation opportunities.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals and present research outcomes at technical conferences. Assist in creating technical reports, presentations, and documentation for stakeholders and funding agencies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional academic and industry teams, participating in regular project meetings, technical discussions, and design reviews.
• Mentor graduate students and assist in development of a productive and inclusive research environment.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, safety procedures, and ethical standards in research conduct and data handling.

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a closely related field, with a strong background in power electronics design and control.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing active harmonic filters, including control strategies, simulation, and validation.
• Proficient in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, or PSIM for modeling power electronic converters and control systems.
• Hands-on experience with hardware prototyping, circuit design, and experimental testing of power electronics systems.
• Familiarity with digital control implementation using DSPs, FPGAs, or microcontrollers is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of thermal management principles and experience working with high-frequency magnetic components is a plus.

Hybrid:
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department.  Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes here.
 

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.