Applied Physicist (80%-100%)

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to:

R&D Department Lead

__

Your role and responsibilities

In this role, you will have the opportunity to contribute to ABB’s success with technology, software, product, and system development. Each day, you will identify and implement innovative solutions to relevant problems. You will also showcase your expertise by providing ideas and by being able to work both independently and as a part of a Research & Development (R&D) team.

The work model for the role is hybrid.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Conducting applied research in the area of power device physics with focus on dielectric insulation, breakdown phenomena, and other multi-physics topics

• Contributing to and leading research projects towards sustainable solutions for the upcoming energy transformation, integration of renewable energies and energy storage systems

• Applying commercial and in-house developed advanced simulation tools

• Planning, setting up, and executing scientific experiments

• Driving research activities, generating intellectual property, and writing scientific publications

• Closely cooperating with scientists and engineers within the team, driving collaborations within the research center, with universities, and global ABB divisions

In this role, as a member of the Power Device Physics team, within Energy Technologies department, you work on the broad portfolio of ABB devices and systems from longer-term fundamental research up to time-critical questions in products. You provide novel and innovative solutions in the field of dielectric insulation in gases and solids with overlap to other multi-physical topics. Translating your findings from basic research on physical phenomena to prototypes demonstrating the technologies, you contribute to evolving applications in such fields as protection systems for sustainable energy generation and distribution. To achieve this, you utilize state-of-the-art simulations, perform scientific experiments, and apply the results to technology development and expert support of ABBs business divisions.

Reporting to the research team manager, you will engage with cross-functional teams inside and outside the company, contribute to the definition of the team research roadmap, and to the management of the research projects.

Qualifications for the role

• PhD in physics or electrical engineering, background in dielectric is a plus (please submit a list of publications if available).

• Hands-on experience in a scientific or industrial laboratory, a willingness to work independently and take initiatives in designing, building, and testing prototypes

• Experience in simulations, e.g., COMSOL

• A collaborative, solution-focused approach with good ability to build and maintain work relationships

• Strong communication and presentation skills in English (both written and spoken)
  

More about us

The Power Device Physics Team at the ABB research center in Switzerland conducts interdisciplinary research focusing on multi-physical phenomena related to the broad portfolio of ABB's devices and systems, including switchgear and power electronics. The team consists of enthusiastic scientists and engineers whose activities span from deepening the knowledge of physical phenomena such as dielectric breakdowns in gases/solids/vacuum, or thermal management with novel cooling concepts, to solving questions directly related to ABB's product portfolio. Our expertise and solutions are used to enable and support the development of next-generation products. This unique opportunity allows you to carry out research in an evolving field and to contribute with your expertise to ABB’s success by reinforcing our team. If you are passionate about science and technology and want to work in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas become part of solutions for a sustainable future, then apply now.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.