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PhD in the Integrated Circuit Group on Transceivers for Optical Communications

• Personal type: Scientific staff

• Field of expertise: PhD

• Organisation: Department of Electrical Engineering

• Apply no later than: 18-10-2026

• Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE

• Salary: € 3.204 - € 4.051

Introduction

Integrated optics is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, driven largely by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and high-performance data processing applications. As AI models continue to increase in size and computational complexity, the demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency, and energy-efficient interconnects has become one of the key technological challenges in modern computing systems. Optical interconnects are emerging as a promising solution, offering significantly higher data throughput and lower power consumption compared to conventional electrical links.

To fully realize the potential of integrated optical systems, continuous improvements are required at multiple levels, including system architecture, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), electronic integrated circuits (EICs), and advanced packaging technologies. The co-design and optimization of these building blocks are essential for achieving breakthroughs in data rate, power efficiency, scalability, and overall system cost.

This PhD project focuses on the electronic integrated circuit components of optical communication systems, with particular emphasis on the transmitter (TX) driver and receiver (RX) transimpedance amplifier (TIA). These circuits play a critical role in determining the overall performance of optical links, directly impacting achievable bandwidth, signal integrity, energy efficiency, and system robustness.

The primary objective of the project is to develop novel circuit topologies and design techniques that push the state of the art in high-speed optical interfaces. Key research goals include increasing bandwidth and data rate capability, improving the driving strength and efficiency of optical modulators, enhancing TIA sensitivity and speed, and minimizing power consumption while maintaining high performance. Through innovative circuit design and technology optimization, the project aims to contribute to the next generation of energy-efficient and cost-effective integrated optical communication systems for AI and data-centric applications.

Job Description

In this role you will drive your own PhD research project focused on high-speed optical transceiver electronics, with particular emphasis on transmitter (TX) driver and receiver transimpedance amplifier (TIA):

• Understanding applications, architecture, building blocks, integration, requirements, limitations and state of the art in optical transceivers
• Understanding modeling of the optical modulators and simulation platform for simulation optical transceivers
• Develop high-bandwidth TX driver architectures for advanced optical modulators.
• Design energy-efficient high-sensitivity TIAs capable of supporting next-generation optical communication standards.
• Improve overall transmitter and receiver speed while minimizing power consumption.
• Enhance modulator driving capability and receiver sensitivity.
• Investigate circuit and system-level trade-offs between bandwidth, noise, linearity, power, and cost.
• Contribute to scalable electronic solutions for future AI-driven optical interconnects.
• Design, implement and characterize the most promising topology for driver and TIA in advanced semiconductor technology

Job Requirements

• Master Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experience in design and implementation of analog integrated circuits
• Experience in using Cadence, Spectre, ADS/Momentum, Matlab
• Highly motivated student, eager to discover and explain new phenomena
• Passion for improving performance of analog integrated circuit operating at high frequencies
• Fast learner, autonomous and creative, highly motivated, persistent and dedicated
• Good communication skills and willing to work with different people
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written

Conditions of Employment

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 assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• 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. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).  
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the ) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region .

Group

You will join the Integrated Circuits (IC) group, a leading research hub advancing the frontiers of semiconductor design. The group has a strong track record in analog, RF/mmWave, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and analog computing. Through close collaboration with other Electrical Engineering research groups and active engagement with the regional Brainport ecosystem and the broader European high-tech landscape, the IC group operates at the intersection of circuits, systems, and applications. It plays a key role in driving innovation in wireless and optical communications, heterogeneous integration, as well as medical and environmental sensing and novel computing paradigms, translating fundamental research into impactful technologies for next-generation semiconductor systems. Particularly, you will be part of the RF Sensing and Communication lab.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Vojkan Vidojkovic, lead of RF Sensing and Communication Lab, via v.vidojkovic@remove-this.tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR Advisor, k.t.caris@remove-this.tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø? Please view the .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

•  A cover letter, in which you describe your motivation for the position and demonstrate how your qualifications and experience match the requirements.
• A curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications and the contact details of at least three referees. Please note that referees may be contacted at any stage of the selection procedure. We recommend informing your referees upon submission of your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the .
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services. 

Reference number: 2026/587