Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on design of sub-THz integrated circuits

Description of the workplace

This position is at the Department of Electrical and Information Technology (EIT) and in the Division of Integrated Electronic Systems (IES). The research at the Division balances the system perspective with the circuit perspective. We design integrated circuits (IC:s) in advanced nanometer silicon (foremost CMOS) technologies, e.g. radio-frequency and millimeter-wave radio front-ends, 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. 

Project description

This research project is funded by the Swedish Research Council and will be on design of sub-THz integrated circuits using advanced CMOS technology. Compact transceiver front-ends for 150GHz phased-array systems will be targeted. Key front-end parts to investigate are power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, phase shifters, and antenna switches. The circuits designed in this project will be sent for fabrication in 22nm FDSOI CMOS technology and then measured in the new sub-THz 6G measurement lab at Lund University. 

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 research will focus on sub-THz integrated circuit design, consisting of circuit and front-end architecture innovation, circuit design and simulation, design of sub-THz layout and passive components with EM-simulations, setting up and performing measurements in the sub-THz lab. 

You will also write scientific papers and travel to conferences to present results. When doing all this you will be supported by a team of highly experienced supervisors.

You will also take doctoral student courses to deepen the knowledge in integrated circuit design, CAD-tools, wireless systems and other relevant areas.

You will also teach in the courses of the department and or perform other departmental duties.     

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 
research subject 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.
• A master’s degree with specialization in Analog/RF integrated circuit design, or significant industrial experience in the area.

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:

• Experience with CAD-tools for Analog/RF integrated circuit design.
• Experience with high frequency measurements.
• Experience with high frequency electromagnetic simulations.

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 November 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!