Hrer2026/329-159 Investigador

Offer Description

About the Project BESCAPE is an Advanced Wide Bandgap-based Power Processing and Management for Future Space Exploration 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 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 one fully funded PhD position 'Wireless battery charging Unit for future space missions: drones and rovers'.

Host Institution: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Supervisors from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain).

Joint Degree Partner: Université de Mons (UMONS, Belgium).

Industrial Mentors: European Space Agency - ESA (The Netherlands).

Objective: This project aims to advance wireless power transfer technologies for future space missions. The selected candidate will design innovative wireless charging solutions, including universal transmitting coils and advanced control techniques, to enable reliable and efficient charging of autonomous vehicles such as drones and rovers.

Secondments: ESA (during 3 months): training on the needs and challenges for the Wireless Power technology applied to the coming Space exploration missions. UMONS (during 6 Months): Advanced training in wireless power transfer converter topologies, control techniques, and to follow the PhD courses from UMONS for the Joint Degree.

Where to apply

E-mail gestion.etsii.ceimm@upm.es

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications 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 design of magnetic components, energy conversion, modelling and control of power converters, 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

• 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.
• Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree.
• Candidates must meet admission requirements for the PhD programs at UPM and University of Mons (UMONS).
• Nationality: Open to candidates of any nationality from around the world.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering – Electrical engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

Double / Joint PhD Degree Successful candidates will obtain a joint doctoral degree awarded by UPM and UMONS.

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 correcti