PhD Position: Digital AI Chip Design for High Speed RF Systems

Join the ERC Synergy DISRUPT project! Build an energy-efficient digital AI/ML accelerator for real-time transmitter error correction in high-speed RF systems. Co-design and validate on real silicon.

Job description

Wireless networks are becoming increasingly power-hungry, and a significant portion of that energy is consumed by the transmitter. The ERC Synergy project DISRUPT is taking a bold step: moving RF-power generation further into the digital domain and enabling new transmitter concepts, but only if we can detect imperfections and correct them in real-time.

In this PhD, you will build the digital “brain” that makes this possible: an energy-efficient, silicon-proven AI/ML accelerator for transmitter error correction (digital predistortion/calibration). Your work will sit at the intersection of machine learning, DSP, and digital IC design, and you will validate your ideas on real chips alongside an international team; thus, it is also critical for you to be a team player, communicating smoothly with your colleagues.

Your main activities will include:

• Translate ML-based error-correction / DPD algorithms into hardware-friendly forms (model reduction, sparsity, quantization, fixed-point design).
• Design the architecture and RTL of a low-power accelerator that meets tight throughput/latency constraints.
• Take design through synthesis, layout, tape-out, and support PCB bring-up and measurements.
• Characterize the silicon in the lab: error-correction performance, throughput, latency, and power.
• Contribute to joint demonstrators and publications with project partners.

You will be mentored day-to-day by Dr. Chang Gao (TU Delft) and co-supervised by Prof. Anding Zhu (University College Dublin) and Prof. Leo de Vreede (TU Delft). This position directly connects to DISRUPT’s planned work on efficient ML-based DPD, accelerator architecture, silicon tape-out, and prototype measurements.

Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA)

Join a pioneering research team dedicated to advancing the design and development of high-performance electronic circuits and systems. You will be part of the Electronic Circuits and Architectures (ELCA) section within the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft. ELCA leads cutting-edge research in integrated circuit design, enhancing power efficiency, frequency performance, and functionality across RF, mm-wave, and wireless communication systems. The group bridges fundamental science with practical applications, pushing the boundaries of analog and digital circuit architectures.

You will have access to state-of-the-art design and testing facilities, including advanced fabrication technologies and specialized measurement labs. As part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary team, you will collaborate with experts in circuit design, signal processing, and emerging semiconductor technologies. The research environment fosters innovation through open collaboration and knowledge exchange. With strong mentorship, tailored training, and minimal hierarchical barriers, ELCA provides an ideal setting for academic and professional growth in the rapidly evolving field of electronic circuits and systems.

Job requirements 

Essential Requirements:

• MSc degree in Electrical / Electronic / Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Solid background in digital IC design and digital signal processing.
• Hands-on RTL design skills (SystemVerilog / Verilog / VHDL) plus scripting (Python / MATLAB / C/C++).
• Strong command of English.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills to collaborate smoothly with international colleagues.

Nice to have:

• Practical experience with machine-learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
• Prior tape-out experience (ASIC or a complex FPGA prototype) and familiarity with the digital back-end flow (synthesis, P&R, timing closure).
• Knowledge of low-power digital design techniques (e.g., clock/power gating, DVFS).
• A strong curiosity about RF transmitters, DPD algorithms, and analog/mixed-signal challenges.

For more details about the DISRUPT project, please visit:

• https://elca.tudelft.nl/Research/project.php?id=243
• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tu-delft-electrical-engineering-mathematics-and-computer-science_erc-ercsynergygrant-grant-activity-7392154613900013570-z60p/

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Chang Gao, via chang.gao@tudelft.nl and Prof. Leo de Vreede via L.C.N.deVreede@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 19 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter (max. 1 page)
• BSc & MSc transcripts (courses and grades, English).

   

You can address your application to Dr. Chang Gao.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.