PRR Project

Summary

Job Description:The successful candidate will lead and contribute to innovative research and development projects in mixed-signal and/or analog microelectronics. Responsibilities will include research in designing and/or testing advanced integrated circuits and associated design methodologies. This includes improving the existing lab research facilities by identifying relevant hardware and software tools.  This role is specifically aligned with the objectives of the European Chips Act, which aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications and to help address both the digital and green transitions. The role will involve dynamic and effective collaboration with academic and industrial partners at national and international levels. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students in the field of microelectronics, supporting the education of the next generation of microelectronics experts. Scientific Profile:The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Electronics) or a closely related field focusing on mixed-signal and/or analog microelectronics. A publication record in leading journals and conferences in the field is also required. The successful candidate should have expertise in one or more areas: Mixed-signal IC design and/or test, analog IC design and/or test, IC design methodology, and RF(radio frequency) microelectronic circuits. Experience with advanced IC manufacturing processes, grant writing, research and development projects, and project management is also highly desirable. Rationale:The design of microelectronic systems, especially with an emphasis on mixed-signal or analog circuits, plays a critical role in various modern applications ranging from wireless communication and healthcare to automotive and consumer electronics. The intricate interplay between digital and analog components in modern electronic systems requires specialized expertise in designing efficient, reliable, and high-performance circuits. The successful candidate will be instrumental in advancing research, education, and innovation in this important field. Several considerations are relevant in this context:  1. Meeting industry needs: demand for professionals with expertise in mixed-signal or analog circuit design is consistently high in several industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications, biomedical devices, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications. The successful candidate will be instrumental in meeting industry demand by producing highly skilled graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to design state-of-the-art microelectronic systems. It will also strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies and applications, an explicit objective of the EU strategy for the semiconductor industry. 2. Enabling technological innovation and economic development: Mixed-signal and analog circuits form the backbone of many technological innovations, enabling digital processing integration with real-world signals and interfaces. The research conducted by the successful candidate can drive innovation through the development of novel circuit topologies, architectures, and design methodologies to address new challenges and opportunities. The research and technologies developed by the successful candidate have the potential to be commercialized through partnerships with industry, technology transfer initiatives, and startup companies. 3. Advancing Scientific Knowledge: Microelectronic systems design, particularly in mixed-signal or analog circuits, represents a rich and diverse research landscape encompassing device physics, circuit theory, signal processing, and system integration. The successful candidate´s research will advance scientific knowledge and understanding of complex analog and mixed-signal phenomena and design strategies. Mixed-signal and analog IC design inherently requires interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple fields, including digital signal processing, radio frequency engineering, and biomedical instrumentation. Collaborative projects of the successful candidate can leverage complementary expertise to address multi-faceted challenges and accelerate innovation in microelectronic systems design.  4. Enhancing Educational Excellence: Promoting the principles of mixed-signal and analog IC design into the curriculum enhances the student´s educational experience and provides them with valuable skills and knowledge essential for a career in microelectronics. This aspect is also underlined by the importance given to Competence Centers in the EU Chips Act.