Assistant/Associate Professor in Integrated Circuits for Next-Generation Communication and Sensing Systems

Introduction
The drive towards improving performance in wired/wireless communications and advanced sensing, is pushing the integration of analog/RF/mm-wave and mixed-signal systems. In these domains, energy-efficient wideband signal processing and programmability to accommodate different use cases are becoming essential.

Increasingly, overall system performance is no longer limited solely by the front-end, but by the interface between the analog and digital domains. Addressing this challenge requires tight co-design across RF, intermediate frequency (IF) and mixed-signal circuits. Such integration is critical for achieving power-efficient operation, programmability, high linearity and low-noise signal conditioning including optimal dynamic range and bandwidth utilization.

This position offers a unique opportunity to drive research at this critical intersection. You will contribute to the development of scalable, high-performance semiconductor solutions that meet the growing demands for energy efficiency, bandwidth, dynamic range and programmability in next-generation integrated circuit technologies.

Job Description
You will play a major role in advancing the research, education, and innovation activities of the Integrated Circuits (IC) group, contributing to its strategic development and international position in semiconductor research.
In this role, you will:

• Develop further and lead the research line in the IC group focusing on the IF section of communication and sensing systems. This includes advancing novel concepts, architectures and integrated circuit design, focusing on energy efficient signal conditioning between analog/RF/mmWave front-ends and digital domains including energy efficient RF sampling ADC concepts, which provide programmability, flexibility and bring digital processing closer to the front-end. These sampling architectures are envisaged to be driving circuits for modern ADC based serial links going above speeds of 100Gbit/s. In addition, you will work on developing concepts, architectures and circuits for high-performance low-power clock generation (phase locked loops) and distribution. Finally, you will collaborate with wide-band analog to digital conversion cluster in the IC group.
• Drive interdisciplinary research through close collaboration with colleagues within the Integrated Circuits (IC) group and across other Electrical Engineering research groups, fostering cross-domain innovation and integrated system-level solutions.
• Translate research outcomes into technological innovation, in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Contribute to TU/e’s educational mission by teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, continuously improving existing curricula, and developing new courses that integrate and disseminate knowledge generated across ongoing research programs.
• Supervise PhD, EngD, MSc, and BSc students.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC) and industry collaborations.
• Strengthen international visibility through publications, presentations, and scientific networks.
• Contribute to academic leadership and departmental initiatives.

Job Requirements

• Core Expertise: PhD in Electrical Engineering with a strong background, proven track record, and internationally recognized expertise in analog, RF and mixed-signal integrated circuit design
• Technical Competence: Proven hands-on experience in translating scientific concepts into practical integrated circuits implementations, including RF and analog designs, particularly, RF sampling architectures and low-energy analog/mixed-signal circuits.
• Analog /Mixed-Signal & System Design Skills: Strong background in analog/mixed signal circuits (e.g., signal conditioning, comparators, sampling) and demonstrated experience in system-level co-design of RF/IF circuits and RF sampling analog to digital converters including interfaces.
• Hands-on IC design experience: Strong ability to translate novel research concepts into practical hardware implementations and effectively transfer this expertise through teaching and student supervision.
• Research Excellence & Leadership: Established track record of high-impact publications, success in securing competitive research funding (e.g., NWO, ERC, Horizon Europe), and ability to define and lead high-impact research program.
• Supervision, Teaching & Impact: Experience in supervising PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, commitment to high-quality education and curriculum development, and ability to translate research into technological innovation through industry collaboration.
• Academic Leadership & Collaboration: Demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary initiatives, active contribution to research group and departmental strategy, and strong collaboration skills in international environments.
• Communication & Language: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; fluency in English is required, and knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 12-13, ranging from €5.932 to €8.199 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.
• A Development Track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor. If you have a more senior profile, a tailor-made career proposal will be considered.
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and partner career support.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Group
You will join the Integrated Circuits (IC) group, a leading research hub advancing the frontiers of semiconductor design. The group has a strong track record in analog, RF/mmWave, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and analog computing. Through close collaboration with other Electrical Engineering research groups and active engagement with the regional Brainport ecosystem and the broader European high-tech landscape, the IC group operates at the intersection of circuits, systems, and applications. It plays a key role in driving innovation in wireless and optical communications, heterogeneous integration, as well as medical and environmental sensing and novel computing paradigms, translating fundamental research into impactful technologies for next-generation semiconductor systems. Particularly, you will be part of the RF Sensing and Communication lab where you will be working mainly on Intermediate Frequency (IF) circuits improving the link between analog/RF/mm-wave front-ends and digital domains. Active collaboration across the IC group’s labs is an integral part of our working culture, and you will be expected to both contribute to and initiate such cross-disciplinary efforts.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Vojkan Vidojkovic, lead of RF Sensing and Communication Lab, via v.vidojkovic@tue.nl and prof. dr. Marrion Matters, IC group chair via m.matters@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Thomas Slegers, Recruiter, t.slegers@tue.nl or +31 6 1483 5214.

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application. The application should include a:

• A cover letter, in which you describe your motivation for the position and demonstrate how your qualifications and experience match the requirements.
• A curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications and the contact details of at least three referees. Please note that referees may be contacted at any stage of the selection procedure. We recommend informing your referees upon submission of your application.
• A research statement, outlining your scientific interests, achievements, and your research plans for the coming five years (1–2 pages);
• A teaching statement, describing your teaching experience, educational vision, and your plans for the coming five years (1–2 pages).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Assistant/Associate Professor in Integrated Circuits for Next-Generation Communication and Sensing Systems

You will play a major role in advancing the research, education, and innovation activities of the Integrated Circuits (IC) group, contributing to its strategic development and international position in semiconductor research.
In this role, you will:

• Develop further and lead the research line in the IC group focusing on the IF section of communication and sensing systems. This includes advancing novel concepts, architectures and integrated circuit design, focusing on energy efficient signal conditioning between analog/RF/mmWave front-ends and digital domains including energy efficient RF sampling ADC concepts, which provide programmability, flexibility and bring digital processing closer to the front-end. These sampling architectures are envisaged to be driving circuits for modern ADC based serial links going above speeds of 100Gbit/s. In addition, you will work on developing concepts, architectures and circuits for high-performance low-power clock generation (phase locked loops) and distribution. Finally, you will collaborate with wide-band analog to digital conversion cluster in the IC group.
• Drive interdisciplinary research through close collaboration with colleagues within the Integrated Circuits (IC) group and across other Electrical Engineering research groups, fostering cross-domain innovation and integrated system-level solutions.
• Translate research outcomes into technological innovation, in collaboration with industrial partners.
• Contribute to TU/e’s educational mission by teaching Bachelor’s and Master’s courses, continuously improving existing curricula, and developing new courses that integrate and disseminate knowledge generated across ongoing research programs.
• Supervise PhD, EngD, MSc, and BSc students.
• Acquire research funding from national and European programs (e.g., NWO, Horizon Europe, ERC) and industry collaborations.
• Strengthen international visibility through publications, presentations, and scientific networks.
• Contribute to academic leadership and departmental initiatives.

PhD in Fast Controlled Photonic Integrated Switches for High Performance Artificial Intelligence Compute Clusters

Introduction
Are you passionate about shaping the future of AI infrastructure? Join us to develop innovative photonic technologies that enable ultra-fast, energy-efficient, and highly scalable optical interconnects for next-generation AI compute clusters.

Job Description
The smart optical networks lab (SONL) at the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group at Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting for a PhD position to research novel fast controlled photonic integrated switches for low latency and highly scalable AI compute clusters.

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognised, leading scientific and applied research group focused on exploiting light for communication and quantum systems. We apply our knowledge in collaboration with other scientists at TU/e and more recently within the newly formed Casimir Institute to develop the required solution for many of the relevant challenges in communication and sensing systems. The group expertise spans from the fundamentals and physics of photonics, optics, the design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) systems to exploiting optical linear/non-linear signal processing to unlock fiber capacity and relevant higher layer protocols required to operate modern optical communication networks. Based in the purposely built FLUX building at the TU/e Campus, the ECO group has access to 300m2 of labs for conducting experimental research and is supported by a state-of-the-art 800m2 cleanroom. With 11 tenured scientists and as many as 70 PhDs, postDocs and senior researchers, the ECO group is a vibrant and exciting research group perfectly suited for talented and ambitious scientists. The group is active in spin outs and starts-ups (e.g. Astrape Networks, Microalign, PhotonX Networks) and carries out bilateral industrial research with major stakeholders in the communications industry.

The PhD project targets the design, prototyping, and demonstration of novel photonic WDM switches and the fast control to enable novel low latency highly scalable and flat interconnect AI compute clusters. Machine learning clusters and artificial intelligence (AI) training have become increasingly popular in recent years. The recent introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT made large-scale models available to the public, which enables the integration of AI in everyday objects and tasks. As a result, the model scale is doubling yearly, causing a proportional increase in the overall model size. These developments require a highly efficient and scalable network to interconnect larger and larger amount of compute processors. Today’s AI compute processors have multi-Terabit/s interfaces to share intermediate data for distributed training and processing, generating large traffic flows. Low and deterministic latency will be required for specific application in data centre for AI training compute clusters. The interconnect network based on electrical packet switches will not be able to support these requirements due to power consumption of the electrical interconnects that will require complex and inefficient cooling solution, and the footprint of the electrical interconnections that will exceed the available space in packet switch chip assembly.

Transparent optical switches allow the network to be upgraded in terms of data rate, modulation format and wavelength grid without having to replace the network electronic switches. Furthermore, the lack of an O/E/O conversion reduces power consumption compared to the electronic counterparts and reduces the amount of costly optical transceivers. Moreover, photonic integration allows for many optical functions on a small footprint, combined with the potential of economic mass-manufacturing. Therefore, the implementation of fast and lossless photonic switches is crucial to enable the demonstration of optically switched network for AI training computing clusters with low power consumption and ultra-low and deterministic latency.

The focus of the PhD activity is on demonstrating disruptive new network architectures for AI compute clusters utilizing optical switching to increase efficiency and reduce latency and power consumption. Therefore, the PhD candidate will investigate and design novel fast controlled photonic integrated WDM switch architectures to implement and demonstrated a low latency optically switched networks for AI training compute clusters. The project is embedded in a national project with close collaboration with industry.

Responsibilities and tasks
The purpose of the project is the design and development of novel photonic WDM switches and the fast control to enable novel low latency highly scalable and flat interconnect AI compute clusters. To achieve these objectives, the project is organized into the following main activities:

1. Investigate disruptive new network architectures for AI compute clusters utilising optical switching and numerically assess the performance via software simulation tools.
2. Define the system specifications which will be then translated into requirements for the design and implementation of the photonic WDM switch architecture and fast control.
3. Investigate the photonic technologies to fabricate the switches.
4. Design, simulate, fabricate and test the photonic integrated switches.
5. Packaging and assessing the photonic integrated switches in collaboration with the industrial partners.
6. Develop the optoelectronic interfaces and controls to enable remote reconfiguration operation.
7. Develop and evaluate fast and efficient scheduling algorithms for fast control and reconfiguration of the optical AI compute clusters.
8. Realize a small-scale compute cluster lab testbed to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the innovative low latency and high capacity optical switched AI computer network architecture empowered by the developed photonic integrated WDM switches and controls.

The PhD candidates will contribute to the TU/e efforts in establishing collaboration with the other researchers in the project and contribute to the related project reporting, scientific publication and dissemination activities.

Job Requirements
Candidates for this challenging projects must have:

• Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or in Applied Physics.
• Solid knowledge of optical fiber communications techniques and/or for photonic devices and circuits.
• Knowledge of photonic devices and circuits / integration technologies and software simulation tools.
• Knowledge of FPGA programming.
• He/she must be familiar with optical and electronic laboratory measurement equipment, optical fiber system and components, semiconductor devices, and electronic circuits.
• Proven team-working capabilities and communication skills
• English proficiency (both verbal and written)
• Willingness to start as soon as possible

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Nicola Calabretta, n.calabretta@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris. HR Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Management Office Assistant Research Support 0,6 fte

Introductie
Ben jij de daadkrachtige persoonlijkheid die de juiste prioriteiten weet te stellen? Schakel je snel en werk je zorgvuldig, met een focus op betrokkenheid en resultaat? Vind je het leuk om onderzoeks- en opleidingsprocessen te ondersteunen? Dan hebben we een hele mooie functie voor je bij de faculteit Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences (IE&IS)!

Functieomschrijving
Management Office Assistant Research support 0,6 fte
In deze functie beheer je de secretariële en administratieve processen binnen de afdeling Research Support van de faculteit. Daarbij ligt de nadruk op twee gebieden: de opleiding onze PhD studenten (studenten die in een vierjarig promotietraject zitten) en de ondersteuning van de interuniversitaire onderzoeksschool Beta en het landelijke Graduate Program Operations Management and Logistics. Je bent aanspreekpunt voor PhD studenten over hun opleidingstraject, je organiseert PhD-cursussen, je houdt de voortgang van de individuele PhD-opleidingstrajecten in de gaten en je bereidt certificaten voor. Daarnaast ondersteun je bij de organisatie van congressen en symposia en draag je bij aan de communicatie via nieuwsbrieven, informatie op websites en via LinkedIn.

Je ben verantwoordelijk voor de secretariële, administratieve en ondersteunende werkzaamheden t.b.v. de afdeling Research Support. Je bent het aanspreekpunt van de afdeling en je plant afspraken in. Je bereidt vergaderingen voor, notuleert ze en handelt ze af. Je bent de centrale persoon om het brede scala aan werkzaamheden binnen de afdeling Research Support in goede banen te leiden. Je neemt initiatief en houdt van afwisseling. Geen dag is hetzelfde.

De afdeling Research Support richt zich op het onderzoeksbeleid van de faculteit Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences. Hierbij gaat het niet alleen om beleidsontwikkeling en het afleggen van verantwoording. Research Support monitort de ruim 225 PhD-trajecten, draagt zorg voor de kwaliteitsborging daarvan, ondersteunt de ruim 125 wetenschappelijk medewerkers bij een breed scala aan onderzoeksgerelateerde zaken, en is verantwoordelijk voor de interuniversitaire onderzoeksschool Beta en het landelijke Graduate Program Operations Management and Logistics.

Functie-eisen
De ideale kandidaat is iemand die aan veel dingen tegelijkertijd kan werken, daarin het overzicht houdt en zichzelf snel iets eigen maakt. Je vindt het een complexe en dynamische omgeving te werken, waar elke dag anders kan zijn. Daarnaast herken je je in de volgende functie eisen:

• Je beschikt over een HBO werk- en denkniveau, bij voorkeur richting (directie) secretaresse /officemanagement;
• Kennis en ervaring in een beleidsondersteunende of secretariële functie is een pré;
• Uitgebreide ervaring met het werken met MS Office (agendabeheer via Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Excel);
• Goede beheersing van de Nederlandse en Engelse taal in woord en geschrift;
• Sterk organisatievermogen, accuraat en in staat zijn om overzicht te houden;
• Stressbestendig en snel kunnen schakelen tussen verschillende taken en opdrachten;
• Leergierig en in staat om je snel thuis te voelen in een complexe organisatie;
• Flexibele, servicegerichte en proactieve houding;
• Goede sociale en communicatievaardigheden;
• Je bent initiatiefrijk en signaleert wanneer je taken op kunt pakken.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden
Een boeiende positie binnen een internationale en tegelijkertijd persoonlijke universiteit. Je zit midden tussen de studenten, op een groene campus op loopafstand van het centraal station. Daarnaast bieden we jou:

• Startdatum in overleg.
• Een arbeidsovereenkomst voor een jaar via Euflex met uitzicht op een vaste aanstelling in TU/e dienstverband.
• Een bruto maandsalaris van minimaal € 3.202,- tot maximaal € 4.159,- bij een fulltime dienstverband, afhankelijk van jouw kennis en ervaring (schaal 7 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten).
• Naast je basissalaris ontvang je een vakantietoeslag van 8% en een eindejaarsuitkering van 8,3%, beide berekend over je jaarlijkse bruto basissalaris.
• Ruime verlofmogelijkheden: standaard 29 vakantiedagen per jaar (op basis van een werkweek van 38 uur). Dit aantal kun je verhogen naar 41 dagen door wekelijks twee uur extra te werken (flexibele werktijden). Werk je parttime, dan wordt het aantal verlofdagen naar rato berekend.
• Als medewerker van de TU/e neem je deel aan de pensioenregeling van ABP. Deze regeling voorziet in een ouderdoms-, een nabestaanden- en een arbeidsongeschiktheidspensioen. De TU/e betaalt 70% van de pensioenpremie; medewerkers dragen de overige 30% bij.
• Een gunstige regeling voor extra verlofdagen of een sabbatical.
• Een keuzemodel voor extra secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden.
• Werktijden in overleg voor een optimale werk-privé balans.
• Toegang tot het moderne sportcentrum op de TU/e‑campus tegen een uitzonderlijk voordelig tarief.
• We ondersteunen je welzijn met gratis 24/7 toegang tot OpenUp, waarmee jij en je gezin toegang hebben tot mentale ondersteuning, deskundig advies en online trainingen.
• Ruimte voor jouw talent met doorgroeikansen en uitstekende ontwikkelmogelijkheden, zoals mentoring, workshops en coaching.
• Deels betaald ouderschapsverlof en een vergoeding voor reiskosten woon-werkverkeer, thuiswerken en internet.

Op onze website ontdek je nog meer informatie over onze arbeidsvoorwaarden. Bouw verder aan je carrière bij de TU/e!

Over ons
Wij zijn een toonaangevende internationale universiteit waar wetenschappelijke nieuwsgierigheid samenkomt met een pragmatische, hands‑on mentaliteit. We werken op een open en samenwerkingsgerichte manier met hightechindustrieën om complexe maatschappelijke uitdagingen aan te pakken. Onze verantwoordelijke en respectvolle benadering zorgt voor impact — vandaag én in de toekomst. TU/e is de thuisbasis van meer dan 13.000 studenten en ruim 7.000 medewerkers, samen een diverse en bruisende academische gemeenschap.

Onze universiteit bevindt zich in Brainport Eindhoven — een wereldwijd toonaangevende technologieregio met meer dan 7.000 hightechbedrijven en sterke R&D‑activiteiten. Brainport staat bekend om doorbraken op het gebied van AI, fotonica, halfgeleiders en geavanceerde maakindustrie. Het is een regio waar technologie in dienst staat van mensen en de samenleving. Meer informatie over de Brainport‑regio vind je hier.

Informatie
Herken jij jezelf in dit profiel en wil je meer informatie over de functie? Neem dan contact op met de vacaturehouder: Geertje Kramer, Beleidsmedewerker Research Support IE&IS, g.g.kramer@tue.nl of +31 40 247 4576.

Bezoek onze website voor meer informatie over het sollicitatieproces.

Nieuwsgierig geworden? Op www.tue.nl/jobs vind je meer over werken bij de TU/e.

Sollicitatie
Ben je geïnteresseerd? Via de solliciteerknop ontvangen we graag je CV en brief met motivatie en omschrijving van je kwalificaties. Zorg ervoor dat je alle gevraagde documenten toevoegt. Wij geven voorrang aan complete sollicitaties.

De screening van kandidaten begint zodra de sollicitaties zijn ontvangen en gaat door totdat de vacature is ingevuld. Indien van toepassing, krijgen interne kandidaten bij gelijke geschiktheid voorrang op externe kandidaten.

We kijken uit naar je sollicitatie!

Let op

• Je kunt online solliciteren. Sollicitaties die per e-mail en/of post worden verstuurd, worden niet in behandeling genomen.
• Een voorafgaande screening (bijvoorbeeld een Verklaring omtrent Gedrag of kennisveiligheidscheck) kan onderdeel zijn van de selectieprocedure. Voor meer informatie over de kennisveiligheidscheck, raadpleeg de Nationale Richtlijnen Kennisveiligheid.
• Wij verzoeken je geen contact met ons op te nemen voor ongevraagde diensten.

PhD in Fast Controlled Photonic Integrated Switches for High Performance Artificial Intelligence Compute Clusters

The smart optical networks lab (SONL) at the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group at Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting for a PhD position to research novel fast controlled photonic integrated switches for low latency and highly scalable AI compute clusters.

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognised, leading scientific and applied research group focused on exploiting light for communication and quantum systems. We apply our knowledge in collaboration with other scientists at TU/e and more recently within the newly formed Casimir Institute to develop the required solution for many of the relevant challenges in communication and sensing systems. The group expertise spans from the fundamentals and physics of photonics, optics, the design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) systems to exploiting optical linear/non-linear signal processing to unlock fiber capacity and relevant higher layer protocols required to operate modern optical communication networks. Based in the purposely built FLUX building at the TU/e Campus, the ECO group has access to 300m2 of labs for conducting experimental research and is supported by a state-of-the-art 800m2 cleanroom. With 11 tenured scientists and as many as 70 PhDs, postDocs and senior researchers, the ECO group is a vibrant and exciting research group perfectly suited for talented and ambitious scientists. The group is active in spin outs and starts-ups (e.g. Astrape Networks, Microalign, PhotonX Networks) and carries out bilateral industrial research with major stakeholders in the communications industry.

The PhD project targets the design, prototyping, and demonstration of novel photonic WDM switches and the fast control to enable novel low latency highly scalable and flat interconnect AI compute clusters. Machine learning clusters and artificial intelligence (AI) training have become increasingly popular in recent years. The recent introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT made large-scale models available to the public, which enables the integration of AI in everyday objects and tasks. As a result, the model scale is doubling yearly, causing a proportional increase in the overall model size. These developments require a highly efficient and scalable network to interconnect larger and larger amount of compute processors. Today’s AI compute processors have multi-Terabit/s interfaces to share intermediate data for distributed training and processing, generating large traffic flows. Low and deterministic latency will be required for specific application in data centre for AI training compute clusters. The interconnect network based on electrical packet switches will not be able to support these requirements due to power consumption of the electrical interconnects that will require complex and inefficient cooling solution, and the footprint of the electrical interconnections that will exceed the available space in packet switch chip assembly.

Transparent optical switches allow the network to be upgraded in terms of data rate, modulation format and wavelength grid without having to replace the network electronic switches. Furthermore, the lack of an O/E/O conversion reduces power consumption compared to the electronic counterparts and reduces the amount of costly optical transceivers. Moreover, photonic integration allows for many optical functions on a small footprint, combined with the potential of economic mass-manufacturing. Therefore, the implementation of fast and lossless photonic switches is crucial to enable the demonstration of optically switched network for AI training computing clusters with low power consumption and ultra-low and deterministic latency.

The focus of the PhD activity is on demonstrating disruptive new network architectures for AI compute clusters utilizing optical switching to increase efficiency and reduce latency and power consumption. Therefore, the PhD candidate will investigate and design novel fast controlled photonic integrated WDM switch architectures to implement and demonstrated a low latency optically switched networks for AI training compute clusters. The project is embedded in a national project with close collaboration with industry.

Responsibilities and tasks
The purpose of the project is the design and development of novel photonic WDM switches and the fast control to enable novel low latency highly scalable and flat interconnect AI compute clusters. To achieve these objectives, the project is organized into the following main activities:

1. Investigate disruptive new network architectures for AI compute clusters utilising optical switching and numerically assess the performance via software simulation tools.
2. Define the system specifications which will be then translated into requirements for the design and implementation of the photonic WDM switch architecture and fast control.
3. Investigate the photonic technologies to fabricate the switches.
4. Design, simulate, fabricate and test the photonic integrated switches.
5. Packaging and assessing the photonic integrated switches in collaboration with the industrial partners.
6. Develop the optoelectronic interfaces and controls to enable remote reconfiguration operation.
7. Develop and evaluate fast and efficient scheduling algorithms for fast control and reconfiguration of the optical AI compute clusters.
8. Realize a small-scale compute cluster lab testbed to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of the innovative low latency and high capacity optical switched AI computer network architecture empowered by the developed photonic integrated WDM switches and controls.

The PhD candidates will contribute to the TU/e efforts in establishing collaboration with the other researchers in the project and contribute to the related project reporting, scientific publication and dissemination activities.