The Integrated Circuit Design group at the University of Twente focuses on analog and mixed-signal design, with a focus on CMOS transceivers. The research for this vacancy is part of the NWO-TTW ZERO project (Towards Energy Autonomous Systems for IoT), and will be performed in cooperation with Holst Centre/Imec.

The 3GPP standardization group has a portfolio of technologies that telecom operators can use to address IoT market needs, such as eMTC, NB-IoT and EC-GSM-IoT. These technologies can be seen as an updated version of the LTE mobile phone protocol that focuses specifically on IoT applications, where only software upgrades are needed at the base station. For the mobile terminals, however, there is a need for new and improved transceiver designs to realize low power consumption and large range.  The development of low-power cellular transceivers will need the replacement of traditional GSM/LTE architectures with mixed-signal alternatives. This will allow designs to be optimized both at the individual block level and as whole systems, enabling significant improvements in power efficiency. By making the transition from analog to “digital” radio architectures, transceivers will include architectures that make heavy use of switching and digital techniques for several blocks, e.g. PLL, ADC, polar transmitter and receiver. This provides the perfect foundation for completely new architectures that combine analog and digital techniques, facilitating multi-standard solutions. Also, to optimally use duty cycling for power saving, fast start-up and shut-down circuit techniques are needed.  System simulations, analog/mixed signal circuit design, IC design and measurements of next generation cellular IoT transceivers are the main parts of the PhD work. Additionally, you will be expected to assist in the ICD group's teaching activities.

You have a Master in Electrical Engineering and a solid background in analog & RF IC Design. You have a high affinity with wireless communications and good practical skills. You can translate system-level requirements to specifications, design electronic circuits and organize your own research. Also, you possess good writing and presentation skills. High English proficiency is a must. Unfortunately, due to export regulations, for this specific project we cannot hire nationalities of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria.

Application and information
Use the link below to apply and include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A brief letter of interest and motivation, including the date from which you will be available.
• If English is not your native language, a document stating either an overall band score of 6.5 in an academic IELTS-test (International Language Test), or an internet based TOEFL (TOEFL-iBT) with a score of at least 22 for each of the four categories.
• The e-mail addresses of two references that we may contact, who are familiar with your academic work and can judge your potential to be a PhD student.
• Copies of exam results (both bachelor and master) and certificates.
• Copies of (up to 5) scientific works, including master thesis.

More information can be found on the website https://icd.el.utwente.nl/

If you have any further questions about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Ronan van der Zee (ronan.vanderzee@utwente.nl).

We offer a full time employment contract for the duration of 4 years. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU) of the Dutch Universities. The gross monthly salary starts at € 2.222,- in the first year and increases to € 2.840,- in the fourth year of employment. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance of 8% and an end of year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training program is part of the agreement.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.