Postdoc in High-Speed Digital AI-DSP ASIC Design

Are you passionate about revolutionizing wireless communication? Join our pioneering team to develop next-generation digital VLSI for AI-powered signal processing ASICs. In the DRASTIC project, you'll drive the innovation of digital transmitter technology—enabling energy-efficient, massively scalable MIMO base stations by replacing traditional analog chains with direct digital-to-RF conversion.

Job Description:
In a world where efficient wireless communication is critical to connecting communities and driving technological progress, the DRASTIC project (Digital tRAnSmitTer ICs) is at the forefront of redefining how we transmit data. By developing innovative digital transmitter (DTX) integrated circuits for highly integrated and energy-efficient massive MIMO (mMIMO) base stations, our research directly addresses the growing global demand for more sustainable and reliable wireless networks. The DTX technology promises to revolutionize the industry by directly converting digital baseband data to RF power, potentially eliminating traditional analog linear TX chains. This breakthrough enables perfect waveform shaping and optimal RF-output operation, paving the way for future wireless systems with enhanced performance and reduced energy consumption.

Within this transformative project, the EMI lab at the Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA) section at TU Delft is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join our team in 2025. You will play a pivotal role in achieving the project’s ambitious deliverables by contributing to the development of a digital signal processing ASIC featuring artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. As part of our research consortium, you will be involved in a series of critical tasks including:

• Front-End Design & Verification: Develop and verify RTL code in SystemVerilog/Verilog to ensure robust digital VLSI design.
• Optimization & Physical Implementation: Drive the process from synthesis through place-and-route to GDS, ensuring that design specifications meet performance and energy efficiency targets.
• Hardware Testing: Engage in PCB design and FPGA programming to validate the system and contribute to a live demonstration of the chip at the project’s conclusion

Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA
You will be part of the Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA) section within the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft. This position is not only about advancing digital VLSI design and AI hardware but also about working in a vibrant research environment where collaboration, innovation, and cross-disciplinary expertise are paramount. You will collaborate closely with PhD students and fellow researchers, benefiting from state-of-the-art design and testing facilities and a supportive, minimally hierarchical team that encourages open dialogue and creative problem solving. 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.

By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a project with significant social impact—pioneering technology that will shape the future of wireless communication, enhance connectivity, and drive energy-efficient solutions for tomorrow’s networks. If you are driven by innovation and ready to take on challenges that merge cutting-edge digital design with impactful real-world applications, we look forward to receiving your application.

Job requirements

You need to have:

• Educational Background: A PhD in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Digital VLSI Design, Microelectronics, Signal Processing, or a closely related field.
• Technical Expertise: Proven experience in digital VLSI design, including ASIC and FPGA development using SystemVerilog/Verilog, with a track record that ideally includes tapeout projects.
• Practical Skills: Proficiency with laboratory equipment, electronics, hardware testing, and relevant programming/scripting for design automation and verification.
• Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English (TOEFL or IELTS required if you do not have an English-taught degree).

The following will make you stand out:

• Specialized Knowledge: Background or familiarity with neural networks and AI hardware design.
• Advanced Experience: Experience in front-end RTL design, physical implementation processes (synthesis, place-and-route, GDS), and design optimization.
• Research Interests: A strong interest in cutting-edge wireless communication technologies and energy-efficient design solutions.
• Personal Qualities: Creative, open-minded, and proactive, with excellent experimental, analytical, and project management skills.
• Collaboration: Proven 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 10 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Chang Gao and Leo de Vreede, via chang.gao@tudelft.nl or l.c.n.devreede@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 23 Mar 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV,
• motivational letter in which you explicitly describe your motivation and adress your background in digital VLSI design and signal processing,
• transcripts of your BSc, MSc & PhD (list of courses taken and grades - in English),
• a copy of (or link to) your PhD thesis,
• contact details of 2-3 references,
• copy of recent English test certificate (if you do not have a English-taught degree).

You can address your application to Dr. Chang Gao and Leo de Vreede.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5