Canada is calling engineers who want to shape the future of electric vehicles. The CHARGE Lab (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) at the University of Windsor has announced a funded PhD position in Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines for EV Applications — and the deadline is May 10, 2026. This is a rare opportunity to join a world-class EV research team in Canada, work directly with industry R&D engineers, publish in top journals, and build a career at the heart of the global electric vehicle revolution. Whether you’re based in Asia, Africa, Europe, or the Americas — if you hold a Master’s in electrical engineering and have a passion for EV technology, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
📋 Quick Information Summary
| University | University of Windsor |
| Lab / Centre | CHARGE Lab — Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy |
| Position Title | PhD Student — Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines for EV Applications |
| Country | Canada 🇨🇦 |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral) |
| Funding Type | Research Assistantship + Graduate Assistantship + Internal Scholarships (competitive) |
| Deadline | May 10, 2026 |
| Open To | International and domestic students with Master’s in Electrical Engineering |
| Supervisor | Dr. Narayan Kar — nkar@uwindsor.ca |
| Official Website | www.chargelabs.ca | www.uwindsor.ca |
🎓 Opportunity Overview
The University of Windsor is one of Canada’s leading comprehensive research universities, located in Windsor, Ontario — a city with a century-long heritage in automotive manufacturing and engineering. Windsor sits directly across the border from Detroit, Michigan, making it one of the most strategically important hubs for automotive and electric vehicle research in North America.
The CHARGE Lab (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) is a specialized research centre focused on developing the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicle technologies. The lab is known for its deep industry collaboration, working directly with senior R&D engineers from industry partners to ensure that research translates into real-world EV applications.
What makes this position stand out is its dual focus: academic excellence AND industrial relevance. You will not just be writing papers — you will be building and testing prototype motors, collaborating with industry, mentoring undergraduate students, and presenting at major conferences. This is the kind of PhD that builds a career, not just a degree.
The position was posted on May 3, 2026, and applications close May 10, 2026 — meaning there is very little time to act. Read this guide, prepare your documents today, and apply immediately.
🎓 Benefits & Funding
Here’s what makes this opportunity financially compelling: The CHARGE Lab offers competitive funding through multiple channels:
- Research Assistantship (RA): Monthly stipend in exchange for research contributions — this is the primary funding source for most PhD students in Canadian engineering programs
- Graduate Assistantship (GA): Additional income through teaching or lab support duties
- Internal Scholarships: Outstanding candidates are also eligible to receive University of Windsor internal scholarships — providing additional financial support on top of assistantship income
- Professional development support: Mentorship from both academic supervisors and senior R&D engineers from industry partners
- Conference and publication funding: PhD students are expected and supported to publish in high-impact journals and present at international conferences
In context: Canadian PhD research assistantships in engineering typically provide between CAD $18,000–$25,000 per year (approximately USD $13,000–$18,500), with tuition often offset by the assistantship. Top students who also earn internal scholarships can significantly exceed this amount. (Verify exact figures with Dr. Narayan Kar or the CHARGE Lab directly.)
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this PhD position, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field — this is a firm requirement
- Strong background in electric machine design, electromagnetic analysis, FEM-based modeling, and powertrain systems
- Knowledge of machine modeling in reference frames and control strategies for permanent magnet (PM) and/or reluctance machines
- Demonstrated research experience with publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings
- Proficiency in simulation tools such as ANSYS, Motor-CAD, and/or MATLAB/Simulink
Desired Skills (Strong Advantage)
- Hands-on experience in motor prototyping and testing
- Experience automating simulations via scripting (Python or MATLAB)
- Familiarity with industrial dynamometers and vehicle-level testing systems
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- High level of motivation and commitment to research excellence
Regarding English Language Requirements: International students applying to University of Windsor graduate programs are generally required to demonstrate English proficiency. However, applicants from countries where English is the official medium of instruction may be eligible for an exemption. Visit the international admissions page at www.future.uwindsor.ca/international for your specific requirements.
🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not
✅ Apply if you…
- Hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field
- Have experience with FEM tools such as ANSYS, Motor-CAD, or equivalent software
- Have at least one publication in a relevant journal or conference proceeding
- Are passionate about electric vehicles, EV motors, and the green energy transition
- Want to collaborate directly with industry engineers and mentor junior researchers
- Can commit to working in Windsor, Ontario, Canada for the duration of the PhD
❌ Don’t apply if you…
- Only hold a Bachelor’s degree — a Master’s is specifically required
- Have no experience with electromagnetic simulation or FEM-based tools
- Have no research publication history (journal or conference)
- Are looking for a coursework-only graduate program rather than a research position
🎓 Key Research Responsibilities
As a PhD student in the CHARGE Lab, your work will span four major areas:
1. Electric Motor Modeling & Simulation
- Perform detailed analysis and modeling of electric motors using FEM tools (primarily ANSYS)
- Model permanent magnet (PM) and reluctance machines in reference frames
- Develop control strategies for advanced machine types
- Validate simulation results against experimental data from prototype motors
2. Prototype Motor Design & Testing
- Collaborate with the research team to design and build prototype motors
- Conduct performance testing using industrial dynamometer systems
- Analyze efficiency maps, torque-speed characteristics, losses, and thermal behavior
- Investigate discrepancies between simulation and test results to implement improvements
3. Research Publication & Conference Presentation
- Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
- Present results at academic and industry conferences globally
- Contribute to technical documentation including design reports and validation studies
4. Collaboration & Mentorship
- Collaborate with research staff and industry partners to achieve project objectives
- Participate in technical reviews, project meetings, and progress reporting
- Mentor undergraduate students and assist in laboratory activities
🎓 Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before applying — the deadline is May 10, 2026, so act fast:
- Updated CV / Resume — academic and research focused, highlighting publications and relevant experience
- Academic Transcripts — official or unofficial transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
- Cover Letter — explaining your research background, EV/electromagnetic experience, and motivation to join CHARGE Lab
- Publication List or Writing Samples — include any journal articles, conference papers, or technical reports
- English Language Test Scores (TOEFL/IELTS — check exemption eligibility for your country)
- Letters of Recommendation — typically 2–3 from academic supervisors or research advisors (verify via official admissions page)
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
⚠️ URGENT: The deadline is May 10, 2026. There is almost no time. Begin preparing your documents immediately and send your email today.
- Step 1 — Prepare your CV and academic transcripts — ensure both are updated and accurate
- Step 2 — Write a focused cover letter explaining your background in electric machine design and your interest in EV research at CHARGE Lab
- Step 3 — Email Dr. Narayan Kar directly at nkar@uwindsor.ca with your CV and academic transcripts attached
- Step 4 — Visit the CHARGE Lab website at www.chargelabs.ca for additional details about the lab’s research and current projects
- Step 5 — Begin your formal graduate application through the University of Windsor’s graduate admissions portal at www.uwindsor.ca (this may run in parallel with direct contact)
- Step 6 — Monitor your email for a response from Dr. Kar — follow up politely if you do not hear back within a few days given the tight deadline
🎓 Important Dates & Deadlines
| Position Posted | May 3, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | MAY 10, 2026 — URGENT |
| Application Method | Email CV + Transcripts to nkar@uwindsor.ca |
| PhD Program Start | Confirm with supervisor (likely Fall 2026) |
| Position Fills | When a suitable candidate is selected |
⚠️ Bookmark this page and check back for updates. With a deadline of May 10, 2026, this opportunity requires immediate action. Do not delay preparing your documents.
🎓 Why Apply — Why Windsor, Why CHARGE Lab, Why Now
Windsor, Ontario is Canada’s automotive capital — home to major manufacturing plants and a city that has been at the forefront of vehicle engineering for over a century. As the world transitions from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, Windsor is uniquely positioned at the intersection of legacy automotive expertise and next-generation EV technology.
The University of Windsor has invested heavily in green energy and EV research infrastructure. The CHARGE Lab, in particular, operates with direct support from industry partners — giving PhD students real-world exposure to commercial EV development that most academic positions cannot offer.
Why this moment matters: The global EV market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% through the 2030s. Engineers with doctoral-level expertise in electromagnetic machine design and FEM simulation are among the most in-demand professionals in the automotive and energy sectors worldwide. A PhD from CHARGE Lab positions you at the absolute forefront of this shift.
Canada’s immigration pathway is also a major advantage: international PhD graduates from Canadian universities are eligible for post-graduation work permits and pathways to permanent residency — making this opportunity valuable far beyond the degree itself.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this position open to international students?
Yes. The posting does not state any nationality restrictions. International students are encouraged to apply, subject to meeting academic and English language requirements set by the University of Windsor.
Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
The University of Windsor typically requires English proficiency test scores from international applicants. However, exemptions are available for students from countries where English is the primary language of instruction. Check your eligibility at www.future.uwindsor.ca/international before applying.
Q: What is the funding amount for this PhD?
The position offers funding through research assistantships and graduate assistantships, with outstanding candidates also eligible for internal University of Windsor scholarships. Exact monthly stipend figures should be confirmed directly with Dr. Narayan Kar at nkar@uwindsor.ca. (Verify on official website)
Q: What simulation software experience is required?
ANSYS experience is specifically highlighted in the job posting. Motor-CAD and MATLAB/Simulink are also listed as required proficiencies. Experience with Python or MATLAB scripting for simulation automation is a strong bonus.
Q: Can I apply if I have conference papers but no journal publications?
The posting says ‘publications in relevant journals or conferences’ — so conference papers do count. However, journal publications carry more weight. If you have strong conference papers, include them and let your other qualifications compensate.
Q: What happens after I email Dr. Kar?
Dr. Kar will review your CV and transcripts. If your profile matches, you will likely be invited for a video interview to discuss your research experience in detail. Following that, you may be guided to complete the formal graduate admission application through the University of Windsor portal.
🎓 Official Source & Contact Information
CHARGE Lab Website: www.chargelabs.ca
University of Windsor: www.uwindsor.ca
International Admissions: www.future.uwindsor.ca/international
Supervisor: Dr. Narayan Kar — nkar@uwindsor.ca
Application Deadline: May 10, 2026
🎓 Complete Summary Table
| University | University of Windsor |
| Lab | CHARGE Lab (Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy) |
| Country | Canada 🇨🇦 |
| City | Windsor, Ontario (near Detroit, USA) |
| Position | PhD Student — Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines for EV Applications |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral) |
| Research Focus | EV Motors, FEM Simulation, Electromagnetic Design, Digital Twins |
| Funding | RA + GA + Internal Scholarships (competitive) |
| Required Degree | Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field |
| Required Tools | ANSYS, Motor-CAD, MATLAB/Simulink |
| Deadline | May 10, 2026 — URGENT |
| Supervisor | Dr. Narayan Kar — nkar@uwindsor.ca |
| CHARGE Lab | www.chargelabs.ca |
| University Site | www.uwindsor.ca |
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