Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering with focus on integrated circuit design, especially the development of a new sequential 3D process. The research project includes the design of digital logic and low power memories.

The research project will be in the field of integrated circuit design (ASIC), focusing on a new process technology for three-dimensional (3D) sequential integration. The 3D process will be primarily intended for smart sensor applications. The advantage of a sequential 3D process is that more functionality can be integrated by facilitating the 3rd dimension. Another advantage is that different process nodes can be used in the different layers. Thereby, it is possible to achieve a better performance and a lower power consumption.

Work duties
The doctoral student will examine design methods for low-power digital gates and logic at layout level. The goal is to investigate how a library of low-power gates can be designed in this process. The project involves research on higher abstraction level as well. This implies that the gates need to be used to synthesize a simple and extremely energy efficient processor for smart sensor applications. Furthermore, the student will investigate how a 3D memory can be realized.

The research project is funded by a H2020 EU project (3D-MUSE), and a close collaboration with other project partners is expected. The possibility of a European researcher exchange exists.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if he or she has:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Nanoengineering, or engineering physics

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written profficiency in English.
• Advanced knowledge of 65nm and smaller transistor technologies.
• Documented specialization in digital and analog ASIC design on layout level.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Course and master thesis in the field of integrated circuit design with focus on layout.
• Industrial experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).