February 27, 2025
Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Fully Funded) – Economic Feasibility of Fuel Cell Technology for Class 8 trucks
Job description
The Hydrogen Research Institute (HRI) at the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR), in collaboration with the Innovative vehicle institute (IVI), is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join a cutting-edge project focused on developing sustainable transportation solutions. This project involves the comprehensive evaluation of the economic feasibility of fuel cell technology for Class 8 trucks.
The primary focus of this Ph.D. position is to develop advanced analytical tools to assess the economic viability of hybrid fuel cell systems. This includes performing detailed financial analyses using key indicators such as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), conducting sensitivity analyses to evaluate parameter variations (e.g., hydrogen pricing, energy costs, maintenance expenses), and proposing solutions to optimize economic feasibility. The selected candidate will work closely with an integrated and diverse team of researchers, leveraging insights from energy management strategies and system sizing.
This research will be conducted at the HRI and also at the IVI where it will benefit from the expertise and technical resources available onsite.
Skills and Training Required
The ideal candidate should possess:
- A master’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- Strong expertise in cost analysis, optimization, power distribution, control theory, and machine learning.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
- Familiarity with optimization and simulation tools (Simulink and Amesim), economic analysis frameworks, and transportation or energy systems.
- Experience with hybrid vehicle systems or fuel cell technologies.
- Familiarity with electrical instrumentation, microcontrollers, DC-DC converters, and National Instruments systems, including CompactDAQ (cDAQ) and CompactRIO (cRIO), is advantageous.
- A creative, autonomous, and dynamic approach to problem-solving, coupled with strong teamwork and communication skills.
Application
The Applicant interested in joining this project should send:
- A motivation letter.
- A curriculum vitae including a list of publications.
Applications should be sent by email to Prof. Mohsen Kandidayeni (mohsen.kandi.dayeni@uqtr.ca).
With the goal of beginning the project in Summer 2025 trimester, applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and the offer will conclude once a qualified candidate is identified.
Workplace Description
The Hydrogen Research Institute (HRI) at UQTR, founded in 1994, is one of Canada’s leaders in hydrogen research. Its mission is to promote science and technology to establish a sustainable energy system using hydrogen. HRI specializes in the characterization and synthesis of nanoporous materials, fuel cells, and renewable energy systems, and collaborates extensively with industrial and academic partners.
This position also benefits from collaboration with the Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI), a key partner in the development and deployment of advanced transportation technologies. The IVI provides applied research expertise and strong industrial connections to advance sustainable vehicle innovations.
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive, fair, and non-discriminatory recruitment process, valuing diversity in all its forms and providing every candidate with equal opportunities, regardless of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, religion, or any other personal characteristic.
