PhD in Electronic ICs for LIDAR (in the NiteLiDAR doctoral network) and photonic sensors

Introduction

• Do you want to specialize in mixed-signal Electronic Integrated Circuits?
• Are you eager to electronically control light, like none before?
• Do you want to design ICs to steer the next generation of FMCW LiDARs (Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave Light Detection and Ranging)?
• Do you want to collaborate with scientists from Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Denmark?

Job Description

This PhD research focuses on the design of integrated electronics which must work together with photonic components in order to build advanced integrated photonic systems for sensing applications. An important aim is to advance the state of the art in this completely new field, achieving unprecedented accuracy and energy efficiency. The research is divided in two main steps.

In the first one you will focus on electronically controlling massive arrays of light phase shifters to steer the laser beam in LiDAR transmitters. You will investigate the challenges of massively integrating Digital-to-Analog converters onto a single chip, thereby generating the control signals needed for photonic beamformers designed for FMCW LiDAR devices. In the course of this research, we may draw upon concepts from various fields, including phased arrays, digital Sigma-Delta (ΣΔ) modulation, digital signal processing (DSP), and power-efficient IC design. The results of your research could potentially pave the way also for breakthroughs in other applications that demand large arrays of data converters, such as wireless communication, UWB ranging and automotive radar.

It is worth noting that this research forms a crucial part of a collaborative initiative within a pan-European doctoral research network called NiteLiDAR. We want to use the results of this research, together with our partners, to create innovative demonstrators for the next generation of LiDARs.

In the second step you will work at ultimately low-noise and energy efficient amplifiers to interface photonic spectral sensors for measuring at the same time Temperature and Pressure using optical fibers.

The two steps are nicely complementary, offering you a broad experience with both the control and the sensor signal conditioning in novel photonic sensing systems. In this way you will gain a broad experience in the brand new field of electronic-photonic integration.

The NiteLiDAR project is open to researchers regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political views, language, age and nationality.  Applications from highly qualified applicants from outside the EU will thus be equally considered to other applicants. The integration of refugees is an EU priority and we will ensure equal opportunities to the researchers whose scientific careers have been interrupted. To ensure a gender balance in the project and work towards the European Commission’s own policies on narrowing the gap between the genders in research, should two applicants be found to be equally qualified the preference will be given to the one that will balance the gender distribution in the entire Network. After the deadline, all submitted applications will be checked against the defined admissibility and eligibility criteria (e.g. submitted electronically, readable, complete, in English, including grades and references), and applicants will be informed by email. The following interviews and selection process will be carried out by a temporary Selection Committee constituted by the Coordinator (when possible) and the supervisors. Evaluation criteria include: Scientific background, capacity for creativity and independent thinking and leadership, mentoring and presentation abilities.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electric Engineering.
• Proven knowledge of analysis techniques for analogue and mixed-signal electronic circuits (data converters).
• Experience in the design of at least one analogue or mixed-signal electronic circuit of some complexity.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivation to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Besides, Doctoral candidates funded by Doctoral Networks
  • must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment
  • can be of any nationality
  • should comply with the “mobility rule”: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Eugenio Cantatore, e.cantatore@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.ee@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.