About the DRASTIC Project:

The DRASTIC project (Digital tRAnSmitTer ICs) aims to develop innovative digital transmitter (DTX) integrated circuits for highly-integrated and energy-efficient massive MIMO (mMIMO) base stations. DTX technology is envisioned to directly convert digital baseband data to RF power, potentially eliminating the need for traditional analog linear TX chains by digitally controlling the RF output stages. This enables perfect waveform shaping and optimal RF-output operation, crucial for the future of wireless systems. The project focuses on designing DTX building blocks for highly integrated, energy-efficient mMIMO base stations.

Job Description:
The EMI lab at the Electronic Architectures and Circuits (ELCA) section at TU Delft is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join our team in 2025, focusing on digital VLSI research for AI hardware design. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a digital signal processing ASIC with artificial intelligence (AI) features within the DRASTIC project's context. The role will involve front-end (RTL & verification in SystemVerilog), optimizing, physical implementation (Synthesis -> PnR -> GDS) and testing (PCB design and FPGA programming).

The postdoc will work closely with PhD students to ensure the successful delivery of project milestones. A live demonstration of the developed chip is targeted for the end of the project.

Job requirements
Candidates must have:

1. A Ph.D. degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related field, such as digital VLSI design, microelectronics, or signal processing.
2. Demonstrated expertise in digital VLSI design, including ASIC, FPGA design using SystemVerilog/Verilog. Tapeout experience and knowledge on neural networks will be a plus.
3. Proficiency in laboratory and programming skills, including experience with measurement equipment, electronics, and hardware testing.
4. Excellent command of English, demonstrated through a TOEFL or IELTS test.
5. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with a proven track record of working effectively within a research team.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 10 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Chang Gao and Leo de Vreede, via chang.gao@tudelft.nl or l.c.n.devreede@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 12 Jan 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter in which you explicitly describe your motivation and adress your background in digital VLSI design and signal processing.
• Transcripts of your BSc, MSc & PhD (list of courses taken and grades - in English)
• a copy of (or link to) your PhD thesis,
• contact details of 2-3 references
• copy of recent English test certificate (if you do not have a English-taught degree)

You can address your application to Dr. Chang Gao and Leo de Vreede.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.