Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW · Education
Research Associate (PhD Candidate) - RF and Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuits 60 - 100 %
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Research Associate (PhD Candidate) - RF and Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuits 60 - 100 %
School of Engineering and Environment FHNW, Institute for Sensors and Electronics
Your tasks
We are looking for a Research Associate to join our activities in radiofrequency and millimeter-wave integrated circuits for next-generation communication, sensing and synchronization systems.
The position is associated with a new research activity in W-band integrated circuits and coherent communication systems and is intended to develop into a doctoral research project in collaboration with a university partner.
We particularly welcome applications from MSc graduates interested in pursuing a PhD. Depending on experience and project timing, applications from candidates who have already completed a PhD are also welcome.
You will develop and experimentally validate integrated RF/mmWave circuits for coherent W-band communication and synchronization systems.
Respnsibilities include:
- Translating system-level communication and synchronization requirements into RF/mmWave circuit specifications and architectures
- Designing, simulating, laying out and verifying active and passive IC building blocks, including amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, LO distribution and W-band front ends
- Performing EM design of interconnects, passive structures and package interfaces, and characterizing fabricated ICs
- Investigating phase noise, hardware delays, group-delay variations, mismatches and temperature drift, and assesing their impact on coherent operation
- Integrating circuits with antennas, packaging and measurement hardware and vexperimentally validating synchronization and calibration methods
The doctoral-level research will address how two independent W-band nodes can establish and maintain a common time and phase reference despite impairments arising from oscillators, circuits, packaging and signal propagation.
The work will combine IC design, calibration and system-level error analysis, with the objective of demonstrating sub-picosecond synchronization and highly stable phase transfer between independent nodes.
This project is part of an international collaboration and therefore requires the ability to report findings clearly and precisly to various stakeholders, as well as the willingness and openess to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment.
Your profile
You are a motivated RF/mmWave IC designer who enjoys taking responsibility for project ranging from circuit conception to experimental validation.
- MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics or related field
- Experience in analog/RF integrated-circuit design and with Cadence Virtuoso or comparable EDA tools
- Solid understanding of gain, noise, linearity, stability and impedance matching
- Experience with IC layout, EM simulation and high-frequency measurements
- Experience with SiGe BiCMOS, HBT or RF FD-SOI technologies is an advantage
- Independent yet team-oriented working style, strong problem-solving skills and good English communication
The employment contract is for a fixed term of three years.
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