Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on Integrated Analog Circuit Design

Description of the workplace

Research at the Division of Integrated Electronic Systems (IES) at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology (EIT) balances the system perspective with the circuit perspective. We design integrated circuits (ICs) in advanced nanometer silicon (foremost CMOS) technologies, e.g. radiofrequency and millimeter-wave radio frontends, data converters, digital signal processors, and larger systems containing both analog and digital functions. Our team includes professors, associate professors, researchers, and administrative staff, fostering a rich intellectual environment conducive of rewarding collaborations. We offer a supportive work environment, promoting an optimal professional growth via an adequate balance between work effort and personal time. New employees have the opportunity to engage in truly relevant research projects, educational initiatives, and industry collaborations, contributing to our overall mission of advancing the state-of-the-art in IC design. At IES, we are also co-hosting the multi-disciplinary research center ”Multidisciplinary Research Centre for Semiconductor System Design” (classIC), funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF), for semiconductor system design.
More about classIC (in Swedish)
More about SSF (strategiska.se)

Project description

You will design series-resonance voltage-controlled oscillators and frequency multipliers in an advanced CMOS-process, targeting frequency generation up to 100 GHz as a well as the lowest phase noise ever achieved. The goal is to meet the superior spectral purity required by ultra-wide-band 6G communications. Another objective of the project is to improve the theoretical understanding of the mechanisms responsible for phase noise generation in a series-resonance oscillator, which appear to be quite distinct from those at work in transconductor-based oscillators.

Work duties

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%).

Your work duties will also include supervision of undergraduate projects (including Master’s theses) and possibly supervision of younger doctoral students. As a doctoral student you are also going to travel to renown conferences to present your work to the widest possible audiences.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• 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 the applicant has:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc in Engineering in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communication engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Specialization in the design of analog or mixed-signal integrated circuits.

The duties require you to comply with US export restrictions (EAR) (bis.gov).

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of the student’s potential is based primarily on 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:

• Advanced courses and Master’s thesis in integrated analog circuits design.
• Working experience with high-speed integrated circuits for radio commu­nication.
• Prior knowledge of CAD systems for integrated circuit design.
• Prior experience in testing analog circuits.

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority, which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. 
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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 §§. The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement but no later than January 1, 2025.

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.).

Welcome to apply!