Phd Position in Digital AI chips for Next-Gen Analog/RF Systems (TUDelft - NXP)

Join TU Delft and work together with NXP to build low-power AI accelerators for self-healing analog/RF calibration, fixing noise/offset. Co-design algorithms & hardware and validate on real silicon.

Job description

As communication and sensing systems push towards higher frequencies and bandwidths (e.g., 6G, automotive radar), analog and RF front-ends are hitting a fundamental wall. In advanced CMOS nodes, it's incredibly difficult and power-hungry to design analog circuits that are perfectly linear, matched, and noise-free. The classic approach of over-designing the analog hardware is no longer sustainable.

This project pioneers a new paradigm: we design smart, low-power digital AI co-processors that learn and correct the imperfections of their analog counterparts in real-time. As a PhD researcher, you will:

• Architect and design novel digital AI accelerators that directly target analog impairments in analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and power amplifier (PA).
• Co-design algorithms and hardware with experts from TU Delft and NXP. You'll apply hardware-aware AI techniques (quantization, pruning) to create ultra-efficient solutions that fit a tight power and area budget.
• Quantify real-world impact by benchmarking your silicon prototype against traditional DSP methods. You will measure system-level improvements on actual analog test chips in NXP's labs.

You will be supervised by Dr. Chang Gao and Prof. Leo de Vreede and have daily access to TU Delft’s state-of-the-art IC design infrastructure and support from Dr. Maarten Molendijk, Dr. Robert van Veldhoven at NXP Semiconductors in Eindhoven for design reviews and hands-on lab 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.

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 the challenges of analog/mixed-signal circuits (ADCs and PAs) and a passion for bridging the digital/analog divide.

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 € 3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 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 16 Nov 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

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.