Doctoral/Postdoctoral Position in Fully Integrated Power Management and Precision References for Single-Photon RGB-D Image Sensors — ETH Zürich

Full description

Doctoral/Postdoctoral Position in Fully Integrated Power Management and Precision References for Single-Photon RGB-D Image Sensors

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Energy-Efficient Circuits and Intelligent Systems Group (EECIS) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET), ETH Zurich, invites applications for a doctoral or postdoctoral position in the area of fully integrated power conversion and precision on-chip references. The position is part of an international industry-academia research project developing a next-generation single-chip RGB-D image sensor for robotics.

Project background

Robots in manufacturing need to see colour and depth at the same time, reliably, both indoors and in bright sunlight. Today this usually takes several separate sensors. The project develops a monolithic RGB-D sensor System-on-Chip that combines colour imaging with direct time-of-flight (dToF) depth sensing on a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array.

SPAD arrays need a high bias voltage, which today is usually supplied by external components. Robots also expose the sensor to large changes in temperature and supply voltage. Within the project, our group is responsible for the core analog building blocks of the sensor chip. This position focuses on two of them. The first is a fully integrated DC-DC converter based on on-chip inductors that generates the SPAD supply on-chip with a high power density. The second is a bandgap reference and an on-chip temperature sensor with high accuracy, which together keep the sensor robust across process, voltage and temperature variations.

Job description

• Develop the architectures and specifications of the on-chip DC-DC converter, bandgap reference and temperature sensor in close exchange with the industrial chip design partner
• Investigate new techniques for high-density, fully integrated power conversion and for precise, low-power references and temperature sensing
• Design, layout and tape out the circuits in advanced CMOS technology, and characterize the chips in our measurement lab
• Refine the designs based on measurement results and support their integration into the sensor SoC
• Publish your results at leading venues of the field and present them at international conferences
• Contribute to the teaching activities of the group

Profile

• Master’s or Ph.D degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field, with excellent grades
• Solid background in analog integrated circuit design
• Experience with power management ICs, DC-DC converters, voltage references or sensor interfaces is a strong advantage
• Hands-on experience with Cadence Virtuoso or similar tools. Experience with EM simulation, tape-outs or lab measurements is a plus
• Strong analytical skills and enthusiasm for pushing circuit performance to its limits
• Ability to work independently and in an international team that spans academia and industry
• Excellent written and spoken English

We offer

The Energy-Efficient Circuits and Intelligent Systems Group (EECIS) focuses on circuits and systems for next-generation computing platforms. Its main interest is the energy-efficient design of the key circuit blocks of miniaturized systems, including analog interfaces, optical and RF transceivers, frequency synthesizers, power management units and data converters.

You can look forward to

• A research project with a clear path from idea to silicon to a real robotic application
• Close collaboration with industrial partners and with the robotics research at ETH Zurich
• A complete IC design and verification environment
• Tape-out support from the ETH Microelectronics Design Center, with access to advanced CMOS processes through multi-project wafer runs
• Our own measurement lab equipped with advanced instruments, plus the low-noise measurement labs at the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center
• A diverse, international and highly motivated team, with collaborations across ETH and worldwide
• A strong track record in fully integrated power management

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications if applicable
• Copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
• Names and contact information of two references

Further information about our group can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Taekwang Jang ([email protected]) (no applications).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

Application deadline: 30th of November.

Start date: 1st of February 2027 or upon agreement.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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