PhD project description

Novel and innovative technologies like automated and autonomous driving will provide solutions to pressing global issues related to traffic. Autonomous cars will contribute by optimizing traffic flows, resulting in a more efficient use of energy resources and infrastructure. In addition, they ensure better traffic regulation, which results in fewer casualties and more safety. Radar systems are a basic prerequisite for automated and autonomous driving. However, the amount of radar sensors per car must increase from one to about ten in the future to allow for full autonomy. This, in turn, demands very cost-effective solutions without compromising on their performance. To address this need, new antenna types and distributed antenna systems with antenna elements that are spread across the entire car are needed, also calling for different integration strategies.

The Antenna Systems group (https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electromagnetics/em-antenna-systems-lab) is looking for two PhD students to conduct research on antenna systems for future automotive radars. Antenna integration using novel integrated circuit (IC) packaging technologies as well as antenna-electronics co-design are focus areas for this research. Also basic radar system design, e.g. for the implementation of a testbed, lies within the scope of the positions.

Embedding of the PhD students

The positions are embedded in two large European initiatives called DistriMuse and SOIL with large consortia spread of multiple countries and industries. The successful candidates are expected to contribute to the deliverables of the projects and represent TU/e at the project meetings (scheduled every six months).

At TU/e, the candidates are part of the Antenna Systems team within the Electromagnetics group(https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electromagnetics/). In our divers and multi-national team, we appreciate and encourage collaboration and support between the team members. We put a high emphasis on coaching our PhD students but also expect that they show initiative and are the driving force in their research.

The Antenna Systems team is contributing to TU/e's Centre for Wireless Technology (www.tue.nl/cwte) which is facilitating multi-disciplinary research between the different research groups within the faculty of Electrical Engineering.

• Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline.
• The selection is based on the candidates' application documents in combination with their performance during the interviews and possible assignments.
• Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be placed on creative thinking, motivation, ability to work in a team, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training.
• An educational background in the areas of antennas, filters, and other microwave engineering components, and/or wireless signal processing is required. Practical experience is considered beneficial.
• Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as Matlab, ADS, CST etc. are advantageous.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.