PhD Scholarship in Analogue Mixed-Signal Design for Precision Circuits

IOC-24 PhD Scholarship in Analogue Mixed-Signal Design for Precision Circuits

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) is an EI / IDA technology centre hosted at the Tyndall National Institute. Its mission is to carry out industry-led world-class Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF integrated circuit research and to deliver trained people and IP to industry. MCCI is already collaborating with 35 companies and many of the staff eventually transfer into the thriving microelectronics industry in Ireland. MCCI targets real-life applications with its research and currently has projects in diverse topics such as DNA detection for food safety, next generation optical communications, bio-sensing, imaging for security applications and early cancer detection.

As microelectronics chips are manufactured in ever smaller geometries the performance of Analogue and Mixed-Signal circuits degrade while at the same time digital logic becomes cheaper, smaller and lower power. Applications associated with the Internet of Things is placing multiple challenges on the Integrated Circuit Chips that are required to enable the next generation of IoT applications.

About Your Studies

As a Doctoral candidate you will be offered a 4-year scholarship, based in the Tyndall National Institutes offices in Cork. You will have a proven ability for working independently and will undertake a programme of research. An official go/no go progress assessment will be completed within your first 12 months. At the end of the 4 years, you are required to write and submit a thesis for examination.

Please see www.mcci.ie or www.tyndall.ie for more information.

We have available a number of scholarships in the area of Analogue Mixed-Signal Design for Precision Circuits. These will encompass a number of areas including:

• Analogue to Digital Converters

• Sensor Interfaces

• Cryogenic CMOS circuits

Key Responsibilities

Carry out innovative research in Analogue Mixed-Signal IC Design, with a focus on taking advantage of deep-submicron CMOS technologies.
Perform modelling and analysis on the limitations of existing solutions.
Participate on research projects under the direction of a project team leader to design and develop new architectures and circuits in areas such as Data Converters, Precision Circuits, Sensor Interfaces and Cryogenic Circuits.
With guidance, implement the solution on an integrated circuit. This may include system level simulation, algorithm development, schematic design, layout and validation of manufactured silicon.
Work on collaborative research projects with MCCI industry partners.
Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research with the support of senior research staff.
Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.

Essential Criteria

A first or upper second class honours degree (or an equivalent international degree) in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, physics or related relevant discipline.
Highly innovative with a strong desire to create world-beating integrated circuits research for real-life applications.
Highly analytical with good interpersonal and organizational skills.
A good understanding of analog and mixed-signal IC design.
A willingness to participate and contribute to the broader team.

Desirable Criteria

Good mathematical ability and knowledge of statistics
Circuit knowledge on Analogue to Digital converters and Phase Locked Loops
Experience in the area of Analog, Mixed-Signal or RF circuit design
Knowledge of mathematical modelling tools such as MATLAB.

What We Offer

An exciting opportunity to participate in an open, relaxed and collaborative group, undertaking leading edge novel and ground breaking research in the area of Precision Analog Mixed Signal Design.
An environment where you can engage and collaborate with industry on collaborative projects.
The opportunity to develop and establish yourself as an independent researcher, within a growth mind-set team, delivering internal quality research, which will be published in the leading Solid-State Circuits and Journals.
Work on exciting challenges, with access to both academic and industrial domain experts.

An annual student stipend of €19,000 applies for this successful candidate for this position. Yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

For inquries, please contact Dr. Gerardo Salgado at gerardo.salgado@mcci.ie.

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Click here to download and complete the Application form and indicate the Job Reference IOC-24

Step 2 – Return the completed Application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application. In special circumstances the panel may consider a prior degree in English (e.g. Master thesis written in English) as evidence of English language proficiency.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.