Book a call
Book a call

Fully Funded MSCA PhD in Contactless Power Transmission for Space Solar Arrays at University of Mons (UMONS), Belgium

PhD position

8/29/2026

Field: Electrical Engineering / Power Electronics / Space Systems
Funding: Fully funded MSCA Joint Doctorate position (Horizon Europe)
Location: Mons, Belgium (joint degree with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain)
Start date: 1 January 2027
Deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:00 (Brussels time)

Position overview

The University of Mons (UMONS), Belgium, is recruiting a Doctoral Candidate (DC8) for the BESCAPE project: Advanced Wide Bandgap‑based Power Processing and Management for Future Space Exploration. This is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Joint Doctorate position, in collaboration with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain, and industrial mentor Thales Alenia Space Belgium.

The PhD focuses on developing an innovative contactless power transmission system to transfer energy from spinning solar arrays to satellite platforms in space.

Research focus

The doctoral project will involve:

  • Design and development of contactless (wireless) power transfer systems for space applications.

  • Use of wide bandgap semiconductor devices and advanced power electronics for high‑efficiency conversion.

  • Modelling, simulation, and experimental validation of rotating power transfer architectures for satellites.

  • Integration with space power system requirements, including reliability, radiation tolerance, and mass/volume constraints.

  • Close collaboration with ESA, academic partners, and industry (Thales Alenia Space Belgium).

This position is ideal for candidates with a background in electrical engineering, power electronics, embedded systems, or aerospace engineering, and a strong interest in space power systems and wireless energy transfer.

Eligibility and profile

Applicants should typically hold:

  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, power electronics, electronics, aerospace engineering, or a closely related field.

  • Strong fundamentals in power converter design, control, and electromagnetic systems.

  • Good programming and simulation skills (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, SPICE, or similar).

  • Motivation to work in an international, interdisciplinary consortium with academic and industrial partners.

Experience with wide bandgap devices (GaN, SiC), wireless power transfer, or space systems is a strong advantage.

Funding and conditions

  • Fully funded MSCA Joint Doctorate position under Horizon Europe.

  • Temporary, full‑time contract (38 hours/week) with competitive MSCA salary and mobility allowances.

  • Joint PhD degree awarded by University of Mons (Belgium) and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain).

  • Based primarily in Mons, Belgium, with planned secondments and training across the consortium, including industry.


How to apply

Applications must be submitted by email to: apply-bescape@umons.ac.be before 30 September 2026, 23:00 (Brussels time).

Your application should include:

  • A detailed CV in Europass format.

  • Academic certificates and transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s), including examinations and grades.

  • A copy of a valid identification document (passport or European ID card).

  • Contact details of two academic referees.

All documents should be attached in a single email, clearly indicating the DC8 – BESCAPE position in the subject line.

Official call and details:
Belgium: 1 PhD Position Available – BESCAPE (EURAXESS)

Why this position is interesting

This PhD offers:

  • A cutting‑edge topic at the intersection of power electronics, wireless energy transfer, and space systems.

  • A joint international degree with strong academic and industrial partners, including ESA and Thales Alenia Space.

  • A fully funded MSCA position with competitive salary, mobility support, and structured training across Europe.

If you are interested in advanced power electronics, space power systems, or contactless energy transfer, this is a highly attractive opportunity.

How we can help

If you’d like to apply, we can help you:

  • Prepare a strong CV tailored to MSCA expectations.

  • Draft a focused motivation email / cover note highlighting your fit with the BESCAPE project.

  • Plan your application timeline ahead of the 30 September deadline.

For more personalized tips or templates contact our team.

www.applywithmentors.com