PhD student in electronic systems

- with focus on integrated circuits for energy harvesting systems

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.9 billion. Today, we have 1,815 staff and 19,155 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

At the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, the university has brought together research and education in electrical engineering, space technology, computer and systems science. The electronics systems group focuses on electrodynamic simulation, electronics design, and measurement technology. The research and teaching conducted is supported by high-quality infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories for electromagnetic compatibility, microelectronics and photoacoustics. We are now looking for a PhD student who can contribute to our growing activities.

Subject description
Electronic systems include electronics design, measurement technology and electromagnetic compatibility for control, monitoring and instrumentation of technical processes and systems, with close connection to applications and applied research.

Project description
You will be part of a project that aims at replacing batteries in sensor and distributed systems with energy harvesting solutions, utilizing for example magnetic fields, vibration, heat, or solar energy. Your goal will be to develop analog integrated circuits (ASIC) for the required power management electronics. The use of integrated circuit solutions will provide the possibility to realize small size and low power solutions that can be embedded in overlying sensor systems. Specifically, we foresee needs to work with low voltage, low power and low loss rectifier solutions, DC-DC converters, and energy storage possibilities. Through our collaboration within Europractice we have access to both design tools and prototypes of ASICs from several different manufacturers. In our electronics laboratory, we have access to equipment for both assembly and performance measurement of the circuits and systems we build. Important parameters in working with our circuits are low power consumption, small size, and good performance.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can have the opportunity to try the teacher role. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a great opportunity to be involved in challenging development projects.

Qualifications
We are looking for you who are highly motivated to carry out advanced research in the field, both independently and in collaboration with group members and our partners in academia and industry. Suitable background is a master's degree or equivalent in electrical engineering, electronics or a closely related subject. You must have very good knowledge of electronics, and experience of laboratory work with evaluation and verification is highly valued. Previous experience of working with integrated circuits is valuable but not a requirement. You must also possess basic programming skills and must have good communication skills in written and oral English. Mastering Swedish is meritorious, as a large part of our teaching takes place in Swedish.

For further information on specific doctoral education, see Technical Sciences General Syllabus

Further information
Employment as a doctoral student is time-limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added with max 20 %. Placement: Luleå. Starting: Upon agreement.
For more information, please contact Professor Jonny Johansson, +46 (0)920-49 1703 Jonny.Johansson@ltu.se.

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 kjell.johansson@ltu.se 
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: March 6, 2023
Reference number: 501-2023