PhD Position in Mobile Computing for Intra-Oral Sensing

TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position in Mobile Computing for Intra-Oral Sensing.

Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research blending mobile computing, AI, dentistry and sleep sciences? Do you want to help develop ultra-light, ultra-small, and highly capable hardware that can measure different biomedical signals directly from the mouth? Then this project is for you.

This PhD position is part of a large Netherlands-wide scientific consortium sponsored by the Dutch Research Council.

Job description

A key research challenge is to design a multimodal, battery-powered embedded device that can collect and process data using an AI model from the human mouth and transmit the data wirelessly for further analysis. Think of a smart medical patch, but for teeth and the mouth.

Because the sensing environment for such an intra-oral platform is unique and challenging—moist and extremely constrained in size and shape compared to classical on-body sensors—design techniques for intra-oral medical sensors are much more stringent than for on-body sensors.

The aim of this PhD research project is to advance the domain of intra-oral sensing and investigate how such a sensor can help in non-invasive sleep studies.

You will work at the intersection of embedded systems, embedded AI, low-power electronics, signal processing and sleep medicine.

Research environment

You will join the Embedded Systems group at TU Delft within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS). The group conducts cutting-edge research on energy-efficient wireless systems, distributed sensing, and embedded intelligence.

The position is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) project SMILE, which aims to develop small embedded platforms that allow collection of many signals, such as jaw position, tongue movements, head position, and respiratory rate, directly from the human mouth.

You will collaborate with other Dutch universities, including Radboud University and TU Eindhoven, as well as Dutch and international industry partners. You will work closely with Dr. Przemysław Pawełczak and Prof. Paddy French from the TU Delft Department of Microelectronics and collaborate with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers within the SMILE project consortium.

Throughout your PhD journey, you will receive comprehensive scientific training as well as professional development support.

Job requirements

General requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• Excellent academic record
• Analytical and mathematical skills
• Good programming skills in C and Python
• Good command of the English language, written and spoken
• Well-developed soft skills
• Excellent ethical judgment

Required expertise

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in all of the following domains:

• Programming and debugging embedded ARM microcontrollers
• Android operating system and Android application development
• Signal processing of signals collected from embedded mobile platforms
• Practical knowledge of PCB design (KiCad)
• Practical knowledge of running AI models on embedded platforms

Applicants that do not demonstrate proof of knowledge in one of these domains will not be considered.

TU Delft as an employer

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. At TU Delft, people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional in an international community of professionals and students.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, structured as two employment contracts. The first contract is for 1.5 years, with an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months. This is followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft also offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible. Support is available to help you prepare for relocation, settle in the Netherlands, and expand your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is also available to support an accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.