PhD Position Researcher on Power Management Integrated Circuit Design

Join the Microelectronics Department at TU Delft: PhD Researcher on Power Management Integrated Circuit Design

Job description

We are seeking an excellent and motivated PhD candidate to join the Microelectronics Department at TU Delft, focusing on the design of innovative power management integrated circuits (PMICs) for sustainable and autonomous sensing systems. The goal of this PhD project is to develop a fully integrated energy-extraction chip that efficiently converts mechanical energy into electrical power, enabling smart sensors to operate without batteries. You will explore novel capacitor-based rectifier architectures, adaptive impedance-matching algorithms, and on-chip protection mechanisms to ensure robust and efficient energy conversion in challenging environments.

The work will combine analogue/mixed-signal IC design, system-level modelling, and experimental validation of fabricated prototypes. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with experts in microsystems, materials, and packaging, both within TU Delft and with leading industrial partners.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and simulate ultra-low-power energy-harvesting and power-management ICs using CMOS technologies.
• Develop novel rectifier and MPPT architectures optimized for mechanical energy sources.
• Implement, tape out, and experimentally validate integrated circuits in the laboratory.
• Collaborate with device and system engineers to realize compact autonomous sensor platforms.
• Publish your research in leading conferences and journals in the field of solid-state circuits and energy-efficient systems.

This position provides a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art IC design tools and measurement facilities, offering an excellent foundation for an academic or industrial career in integrated power electronics.

Job requirements

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design.
• Experience with Cadence tools for schematic design, layout, and circuit simulation.
• Interest or prior experience in energy harvesting, power management, or ultra-low-power ICs is an advantage.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract, plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft 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.

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

Relocation support

TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Sijun Du, via sijun.du@tudelft.nl.