Postdoctoral researcher in Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD)

Electrification and digitalisation are among the major areas for the future transition to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in these areas - including renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication, and wireless sensor networks, as well as research and education in Life Science, health technology, smart electronic sensors, and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international environment with around 160 employees who contribute to important technological energy and health at the Ångström Laboratory.

We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher in Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD)

Come and join us!
The position is placed at the Division of Electricity, within the Department of Electrical Engineering. Here you will find a welcoming working environment with an active doctoral student network and a variety of experimental projects. The division collaborates with Swedish companies – both public and private – as well as other stakeholders within the various research areas. We look forward to receiving your application. Join us in building the future!

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Project description
Plasma Pulse Geo Drilling (PPGD) is an innovative drilling technology that uses high-voltage pulses to generate plasma channels that fracture crystalline rock. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional rotary drilling, particularly in hard rock formations. The project focuses on understanding the interaction between induced plasma and crystalline rock during drilling, using environmentally friendly tap water as the working fluid.

Duties
Development and optimization of pulsed-power systems and diagnostics for plasma-assisted rock fracturing. Design and implementation of high-voltage electronics for plasma generation. Development of control and measurement systems for monitoring plasma-rock interaction. Experimental work in laboratory and field environments, including data acquisition and analysis. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in electrical engineering, geoscience, and materials science. Dissemination of results through scientific publications and conferences.

Qualifications required

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
•  The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. 
• Strong background in high-voltage electronics, pulsed-power systems, or plasma physics.
• Experience in the design and testing of electronic instrumentation and control systems.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as: analytical ability and problem-solving, attention to detail and quality mindset, independence, collaboration skills, communication skills, and innovative capacity.

The candidate must have good ability to communicate in English, both spoken and written. 

Qualifications desired

• Experience with FPGA-based control, RF systems, or laser diagnostics.
• Knowledge of plasma-material interaction or drilling technologies.
• Skills in PCB design, high-speed measurements, and safety in high-voltage environments.
• Postdoctoral work experience.
• Good knowledge of experimental methods and data analysis.
• Additional European languages are considered an asset.

About the employment
Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 36 months, in accordance with the central collective agreement. Full-time position. Start date: 2025-12-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

For further information about the position, please contact
Professor Jan Isberg, jan.isberg@angstrom.uu.se, +46 18-471 58 21

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a cover letter describing yourself, your research interests and why you are applying for the position, 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your doctoral degree certificate and academic transcripts, as well as a copy of your doctoral thesis, 5) any other documents you wish to refer to, 6) the names and contact details of referees (email address and telephone number), and 7) any publications. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than Monday, October 13, 2025. UFV-PA 2025/2938.