PhD Position Low-Power Digital IC Design for ML-based Signal Processing

Ready to re-imagine how tiny pieces of silicon can run powerful machine-learning algorithms within a few milliwatts?

Ready to re-imagine how tiny pieces of silicon can run powerful machine-learning algorithms within a few milliwatts?  Join the Lab of Efficient Machine Intelligence led by Dr. Chang Gao at ELCA, TU Delft and collaborate with NXP Semiconductors to create next-generation digital integrated circuits that bring on-chip intelligence to a wide range of data-intensive applications, from smart sensors and wearables to autonomous vehicles and edge-AI devices.  You will investigate advanced CMOS nodes (12 / 22 / 28 nm) and hardware–algorithm co-design techniques that unlock energy-efficient, real-time signal processing on silicon.

Job description

Across domains such as healthcare, robotics, audio, and industrial automation, the demand for high-throughput yet ultra-low-power signal processing is exploding.  Classical DSP engines struggle to keep pace, while compact neural-network models are poised to deliver higher accuracy with a smaller code footprint, if we can map them efficiently to silicon.

As a PhD researcher you will:

• Architect and prototype low-power digital accelerators tailored to ML-driven signal-processing kernels (e.g., adaptive linearization, calibration, noise suppression, anomaly detection).
• Co-design algorithms and hardware: compress and quantize neural networks, embed domain knowledge, and translate them into gate-level implementations that meet stringent power and area targets.
• Benchmark energy, performance, and accuracy against conventional DSP solutions in realistic use-cases spanning sensor data, audio, and mixed-signal front-ends.
• Hands-on design experience with advanced CMOS nodes and algorithm validation using industry-grade measurement setups.
• Publish and present your findings at leading conferences and in high-impact journals (ISSCC, VLSI, JSSC, etc.).

You will have daily access to TU Delft’s design infrastructure and spend regular periods at NXP Eindhoven for design reviews, PDK access, and lab measurements.    

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 (TOEFL/IELTS scores required if your prior degree was not taught in English).

Nice to have:

• Practical experience with machine-learning / AI frameworks, especially PyTorch, for model development or hardware-aware ML.
• Prior tape-out experience (ASIC or major FPGA prototype) and familiarity with back-end flows (synthesis, P&R, timing closure).
• Knowledge of low-power design techniques (clock/power gating, DVFS, etc.).
• Basic familiarity with mixed-signal interfaces and data-converter front-ends.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

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 € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. 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.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 Aug 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a publication list or Google Scholar link.
• Motivational Letter (maximum 1 page) describing your interest and experience relevant to digital ASIC design.
• Transcripts of BSc and MSc studies (course lists and grades in English).
• A copy or link to your MSc thesis.
• At least two reference letters.

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. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.