PhD in Integrated Circuits for Optical Communication Transceivers at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) – Netherlands

Summary

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Integrated Circuit Group, focusing on integrated circuits for optical communication transceivers. The project aims to develop novel circuit topologies and design techniques for high-speed optical interfaces, specifically transmitter (TX) drivers and receiver (RX) transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs). The role involves understanding optical transceiver architectures, designing energy-efficient circuits, and improving overall system performance. Candidates should hold a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and have experience in analog integrated circuit design using tools like Cadence and Matlab. The full-time temporary contract is for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The position includes teaching duties (10-15% per year) and offers a competitive salary with benefits. The application deadline is October 18, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Integrated Circuit Group / RF Sensing and Communication Lab
Position Type	PhD Candidate
Discipline	Electrical Engineering; Electronic Engineering
Research Area	Integrated Circuits for Optical Communication Transceivers, High-speed Optical Transceiver Electronics, TX driver, RX transimpedance amplifier (TIA)
Degree Required	Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
Experience	Experience in the design and implementation of analog integrated circuits; Experience using Cadence, Spectre, ADS/Momentum, and Matlab.
Salary	Minimum €3,204 – maximum €4,051 gross base salary per month, full-time, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
Funding	Fully funded PhD position
Contract Duration	Four (4) years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-18
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae including a full list of publications, Contact details of at least three referees
Employer Address	De Zaale, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, Netherlands
Employer Contact	Dr. Vojkan Vidojkovic ([email protected]) for research project questions; Kevin Caris ([email protected]) for application process questions.

About the Project

The PhD project focuses on electronic integrated circuit components for optical communication systems, specifically transmitter (TX) drivers and receiver (RX) transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs). The goal is to develop novel circuit topologies and design techniques to advance high-speed optical interfaces. Key objectives include increasing bandwidth and data rate, improving driving strength and efficiency of optical modulators, enhancing TIA sensitivity and speed, and minimizing power consumption while maintaining high performance. The research will contribute to scalable electronic solutions for future AI-driven optical interconnects.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive own research project on high-speed optical transceiver electronics.
• Understand applications, architectures, building blocks, integration, requirements, limitations, and state of the art in optical transceivers.
• Understand modeling of optical modulators and simulation platforms for optical transceiver simulation.
• Develop high-bandwidth TX driver architectures for advanced optical modulators.
• Design energy-efficient, high-sensitivity TIAs for next-generation optical communication standards.
• Improve overall transmitter and receiver speed while minimizing power consumption.
• Enhance modulator driving capability and receiver sensitivity.
• Investigate circuit and system-level trade-offs between bandwidth, noise, linearity, power, and cost.
• Contribute to scalable electronic solutions for future AI-driven optical interconnects.
• Design, implement, and characterize promising circuit topologies for driver and TIA circuits in advanced semiconductor technology.
• Dedicate a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 15% per year of employment to teaching tasks.

Required Skills

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experience in the design and implementation of analog integrated circuits
• Experience using Cadence
• Experience using Spectre
• Experience using ADS/Momentum
• Experience using Matlab
• Highly motivated
• Eager to discover and explain new phenomena
• Passion for improving the performance of analog integrated circuits operating at high frequencies
• Fast learner
• Autonomous
• Creative
• Persistent
• Dedicated
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate with different people
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for highly motivated candidates with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and practical experience in analog integrated circuit design. Applicants should be passionate about improving high-frequency analog integrated circuits, be fast learners, autonomous, creative, persistent, and dedicated. Good communication skills and a willingness to collaborate are essential, along with fluency in English.

Benefits

• Meaningful position in a dynamic, ambitious, and interdisciplinary university with an international network.
• Location on a beautiful green campus close to Eindhoven's central train station.
• Full-time employment for four years.
• Salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (minimum €3,204 – maximum €4,051 gross base salary per month, full-time).
• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Generous leave options: standard 29 days per year (based on a 38-hour working week), extendable to 41 days through flexible working hours.
• Participation in the ABP pension scheme, with TU/e paying 70% of the pension premium.
• High-quality training programs and support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher.
• Excellent technical infrastructure.
• On-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the on-campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an affordable rate.
• Free 24/7 access to OpenUp for mental health support, expert guidance, and online training for employees and their families.
• Allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
• Support from a Staff Immigration Team for international candidates.
• Access to a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

About the Employer

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a dynamic, ambitious, and interdisciplinary university with an international network. It is located on a green campus within walking distance of Eindhoven's central train station. The university offers high-quality training programs and support for scientific researchers, excellent technical infrastructure, and various employee benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main focus of this PhD project?

The project focuses on the electronic integrated circuit components of optical communication systems, with particular emphasis on transmitter (TX) drivers and receiver (RX) transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs), aiming to develop novel circuit topologies and design techniques for high-speed optical interfaces.

What are the teaching responsibilities for this PhD position?

PhD candidates are required to dedicate a minimum of 10% and a maximum of 15% per year of employment to teaching tasks.

What is the duration of the contract?

The contract is for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months.

What software experience is required for this position?

Candidates should have experience using Cadence, Spectre, ADS/Momentum, and Matlab.

Are there any benefits for international candidates?

Yes, international candidates receive support from a Staff Immigration Team and access to a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme).

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a full list of publications, and the contact details of at least three referees.