PhD Position in IC Design Group at the University of Twente

The University of Twente (UT) is located in Enschede, in the eastern Netherlands. The university offers a vibrant and innovative campus environment, excellent research facilities, and opportunities to collaborate with leading international research groups and industry partners.

The Integrated Circuit Design (ICD) group, led by Professor Bram Nauta, conducts research in the fields of analog and Radio Frequency (RF) integrated circuit design. The group’s research philosophy is summarized by its motto: “fundamental solutions for practical problems.”

Over the years, the IC Design group has introduced numerous influential innovations in circuit design, including:

• Analog filters
• Thermal-noise-cancelling amplifiers
• Ultra-low-power analog-to-digital converters
• Software-defined radio
• Mixer-first receivers
• N-path filters
• Sub-sampling phase-locked loops

The group is internationally recognized for pioneering new research directions, many of which have been translated into industrial applications. It also maintains strong collaborations with major semiconductor companies worldwide.

Researchers in the group have access to advanced CMOS fabrication technologies and a well-equipped laboratory for designing and evaluating test chips. PhD candidates work in a highly collaborative environment and benefit from the extensive expertise of leading researchers in integrated circuit design.

PhD supervision is provided by a team of internationally recognized professors, including Bram Nauta, Eric Klumperink, Anne-Johan Annema, Ronan van der Zee, Mark Oude Alink, Harijot Singh Bindra, and Stef van Zanten.

Because the group places significant emphasis on the education, professional development, and long-term careers of its PhD researchers, the selection process is highly competitive.

PhD Research Environment

The IC Design group provides an excellent environment for researchers interested in advancing the state of the art in analog and RF integrated circuits.

PhD researchers can expect:

• Access to advanced semiconductor fabrication technologies
• Modern laboratory facilities for test-chip evaluation
• Close collaboration with experienced researchers
• Interaction with international academic and industrial partners
• Opportunities to develop innovative circuit-design solutions
• Strong exposure to both fundamental research and practical applications

Prospective applicants can also learn about the PhD experience in the group through the University of Twente’s profile of Maryam Dodangeh, who is currently pursuing her PhD in the IC Design Group.

Candidate Profile

The University of Twente is looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong academic background and genuine interest in integrated circuit research.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering with excellent academic performance.
• Have a specialization or strong background in Analog or RF circuit design.
• Demonstrate strong motivation and enthusiasm for conducting research.
• Be an independent, creative, and original thinker.
• Possess excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Be capable of working independently while contributing effectively to a research team.
• Demonstrate a strong team spirit and willingness to work in an international environment.
• Have excellent proficiency in English.

What the University of Twente Offers

This opportunity is part of a general and open PhD recruitment call. The IC Design group normally has PhD opportunities available throughout the year, although individual openings may not always be advertised separately.

Successful candidates may begin their PhD project at different times during the academic year, depending on project availability.

Employment and Salary

PhD candidates will receive:

• A full-time four-year employment contract
• A qualification assessment during the first year
• A stimulating and internationally oriented scientific environment
• Salary and employment conditions governed by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU)
• A gross monthly salary ranging from approximately €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year
• 8% holiday allowance based on gross annual salary
• 8.3% year-end bonus
• A comprehensive pension scheme
• Additional employee benefits provided under Dutch university employment conditions

Training and Professional Development

The university also provides a structured training environment. Each PhD candidate works with their supervisor to develop an individual plan covering relevant education, research training, and professional development.

The position encourages researchers to take a high degree of responsibility and independence while working closely with supervisors, fellow PhD candidates, researchers, and university staff.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit their application through the University’s “Apply Now” system.

The application should include:

1. Motivation letter
   Explain your research interests, academic background, and specific motivation for pursuing a PhD in the IC Design group.
2. Detailed CV/resume
   Include your education, research experience, technical skills, work experience, and other relevant achievements.
3. Publication list
   Provide details of research publications, conference papers, or other relevant scholarly work.
4. Referee information
   Provide contact details for at least two academic or professional referees.
5. Academic transcripts
   Submit transcripts for both your BSc and MSc degrees, including grades.
6. English-language proficiency
   Provide a TOEFL or IELTS score demonstrating sufficient proficiency in English.
7. Additional assessment
   Applicants may be required to participate in an assessment as part of the selection process.

Application Deadline and Selection

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the year.

There is no single fixed recruitment period because this is an open call covering multiple PhD positions that become available at different times.

Screening is also part of the selection process.

Contact Information

For additional information about the open PhD opportunity, applicants can contact:

Mrs. Jacqueline Kroese
University of Twente
Email: j.kroese@utwente.nl

About the Faculty

The position is based within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente.

The faculty combines mathematics, electronics, and computer technology to advance the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Its research contributes to technologies used across a wide range of modern devices, products, and societal applications.

EEMCS works closely with industrial partners, researchers in the Netherlands and international collaborators. The faculty also undertakes research funded by external organizations and commissioning parties.

Its research activities are internationally recognized and are organized across three multidisciplinary University of Twente research institutes:

• MESA+ Institute
• TechMed Centre
• Digital Society Institute

Through these institutes and its collaborations with industry and academia, the faculty contributes to technological innovation and the development of the digital society.

Job Details

Key Takeaway

This PhD opportunity at the University of Twente is particularly suitable for graduates with a strong background in Electrical Engineering, Analog IC Design, or RF Circuit Design who want to pursue research in an internationally recognized integrated-circuit research environment.

Because applications are assessed on a rolling basis and the call covers multiple positions, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the stated deadline.