PhD Studentship: Ultra-High Voltage Power Semiconductor Devices

Project Abstract:

This PhD project addresses strategic UK priorities in advanced power semiconductor technologies supporting net zero, electrification, and grid resilience. The research will focus on the design and modelling of ultra-high voltage IGBTs, thyristors, and SiC devices for HVDC and energy systems. Embedded within the EPSRC Rewire network, the project strengthens UK capability in high-voltage semiconductor innovation and industrial collaboration.

Project Detail:

The UK’s Semiconductor Strategy and Net Zero commitments highlight the urgent need to strengthen national capability in advanced power semiconductor technologies that underpin energy security, electrification, and grid resilience. Ultra-high voltage (UHV) power semiconductor devices — including IGBTs, thyristors (IGCTs/GCTs), and emerging silicon carbide (SiC) technologies — are critical enablers of HVDC transmission, renewable integration, transport electrification, and large-scale industrial power conversion. Advancing these technologies is essential to maintaining UK leadership in power electronics and supporting strategic supply chain resilience.

This PhD project will focus on the design, modelling, and optimisation of ultra-high voltage power semiconductor devices operating in the multi-kilovolt regime. The research will investigate advanced device architectures in silicon and wide-bandgap materials, with emphasis on electric field management, breakdown capability, conduction loss reduction, switching robustness, and reliability under extreme electrical and thermal stress. Using state-of-the-art TCAD simulation and physics-based modelling, the project will explore innovative structural solutions to enhance performance and ruggedness for grid-scale and high-power applications.

The student will be supervised by Professor Marina Antoniou and Professor Peter Gammon at the University of Warwick and will be embedded within the EPSRC Rewire project, providing access to a national network of academic and industrial partners. This environment ensures strong alignment with UK industrial priorities, fostering collaboration with companies engaged in power electronics, HV systems, and semiconductor innovation.

The project will contribute to strengthening UK capability in strategically important high-voltage semiconductor technologies, supporting decarbonisation, grid modernisation, and advanced manufacturing. The successful candidate will develop expertise at the intersection of semiconductor device physics and energy systems engineering, contributing to technologies that are central to the UK’s future clean energy infrastructure.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study. International candidates are welcome to apply, but must be able to cover the difference in the fee levels.

Eligibility:

A first-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
- Strong interest in power semiconductor devices, device physics, or power electronics
- Experience with TCAD simulation, semiconductor processing, or experimental characterisation is desirable but not essential

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest by sending a CV and supporting statement outlining their skills and interests in this research area to https://www.warwick.ac.uk/engineeringscholarships/rewire/app. If this initial application is successful, we will invite you to submit a formal application.

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