PhD Position on Design and Fabrication of Piezoelectric Resonators for DC/DC Applications

Join our team to develop next-generation piezoelectric resonators for high-efficiency power conversion, enabling fully integrated magnet-less DC/DC converters for future autonomous electronic systems.

Job Description

We invite an excellent and highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Microelectronics Department at TU Delft and work on cutting-edge piezoelectric resonator (PR) design and fabrication for next-generation power conversion systems.

This PhD project focuses on the development of high-Q piezoelectric resonators and their co-design with resonant DC/DC converters, enabling ultra-compact, magnet-less, and highly integrated power management solutions. These resonators will play a key role in next-generation compact, high-frequency power converters, enabling magnet-less or highly integrated DC/DC conversion in applications ranging from miniaturised electronics and autonomous sensor/IoT nodes to power-dense subsystems in advanced ICs.

You will explore the full design and fabrication cycle of PR devices, including material selection, device design and optimization, multi-physics (electro-mechanical-thermal) modeling, cleanroom fabrication, experimental characterization and testing. You will also collaborate closely with circuit designers to jointly optimize the PR devices for maximum power transfer efficiency in piezoelectric-resonator-based DC/DC converter architectures (PR-DC/DC).

The work includes finite-element modeling, microfabrication in TU Delft’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities (Delft Nano Lab and Else Kooi Lab), and high-frequency characterization using advanced measurement equipment. You will interact with experts in MEMS, materials science, integrated circuits, and system-level power management.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and simulate piezoelectric resonators using FEM tools (e.g., COMSOL, Coventor, ANSYS).
• Develop and optimise resonator structures suitable for high-efficiency PR-based DC/DC converters.
• Fabricate PR devices in TU Delft cleanroom facilities using micro- and nano-fabrication processes.
• Perform electrical, mechanical, and thermal characterization of fabricated devices.
• Collaborate closely with IC designers to co-optimize resonator performance and converter architectures.
• Document results and publish in leading journals and conferences.

This PhD position offers a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating research environment with access to advanced cleanroom facilities, professional supervision, and opportunities for collaboration. The project provides an excellent foundation for a career in MEMS/NEMS, IC co-design, advanced power electronics, or semiconductor R&D.

Job Requirements

• MSc degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in one or more of the following areas: piezoelectric materials, MEMS/NEMS, finite element modelling (e.g., COMSOL), or mechanical design.
• Hands-on experience with experimental characterization of sensors or other electrical devices.
• Experience with microfabrication is an advantage.
• Proficiency in English (see requirements for PhD admission for more details).
• Ability to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary 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.

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.

Additional Information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Sijun Du (sijun.du@tudelft.nl).