PhD Position Algorithm-Hardware Co-Design for AI-Enhanced Transceivers

Passionate about AI and wireless tech? Join us to revolutionize transceiver design with AI-driven methods for telecom, automotive, and consumer electronics. PhD position open!

Job desription

In an increasingly connected world, wireless transceivers are critical components enabling seamless communication between digital devices. However, traditional designs face challenges related to technology scaling, power efficiency, and system imperfections. This project aims to revolutionize transceiver design through innovative machine learning techniques, transitioning from conventional methods toward AI-enhanced architectures. Joining this project offers an opportunity to advance state-of-the-art AI-based solutions with broad applications in telecommunications, automotive, and healthcare sectors.

Your research will involve developing AI algorithms to calibrate system imperfections, such as power amplifier linearization for enhanced energy efficiency and signal quality, or self-interference cancellation in receivers. You'll investigate suitable neural network architectures integrating domain-specific knowledge, analyze the cost-effectiveness of AI-based solutions compared to classical methods, and explore how environmental factors like temperature and voltage variations impact performance. Additionally, you will design and implement digital integrated circuits to efficiently execute these algorithms.

This structured four-year PhD project will begin with algorithm and signal processing development, followed by hardware implementation, benchmarking, and system feasibility studies. Early stages will emphasize algorithmic innovation, transitioning in later phases to efficient digital hardware implementation. Your research, supervised by Dr. Chang Gao (TU Delft) and Dr. R. van Veldhoven (NXP Semiconductors), will bridge academic excellence and industry relevance.

Electronics Circuits and Architectures (ECLA)

Join a pioneering research team dedicated to advancing the design and development of high-performance electronic circuits and systems. You will be part of the Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA) section within the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft. ELCA leads cutting-edge research in integrated circuit design, enhancing power efficiency, frequency performance, and functionality across RF, mm-wave, and wireless communication systems. The group bridges fundamental science with practical applications, pushing the boundaries of analog and digital circuit architectures.

You will have access to exceptional facilities at both TU Delft and NXP Semiconductors in Eindhoven, including advanced fabrication technologies and specialized measurement labs. As part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in circuit design, signal processing, and emerging semiconductor technologies. The research environment fosters innovation through open collaboration and knowledge exchange. With strong mentorship, tailored training, and minimal hierarchical barriers, ELCA provides an ideal setting for academic and professional growth in the rapidly evolving field of electronic circuits and systems.

Job requirements

You need to have:

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field;
• Strong foundation in neural network concepts and algorithms and digital signal processing;
• Experience with RF and wireless system design;
• Programming skills in languages commonly used for AI and signal processing (Python, MATLAB, C/C++);
• Excellent command of English (TOEFL or IELTS required if you do not have an English-taught degree);

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of digital integrated circuit design flows using SystemVerilog/Verilog ;;
• Interest in algorithm-hardware co-design methodologies;
• Personal Qualities: Creative, open-minded, and proactive, with excellent experimental, analytical, and project management skills;
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft 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.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty 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 € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website 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.