PhD in 3 years: 10 Positions for a Doctoral Researcher in Microelectronics pilot training

The University of Oulu is one of the biggest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We create new knowledge and innovations that help to solve global challenges. We offer you an international and inspiring working environment where you are given responsibility and can use your skills, develop yourself and do work that matters. Our flexible and family-friendly workplace makes it easy for you to balance work and leisure. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world´s universities.

We are now looking for

10 Doctoral Researchers

to join us in the doctoral pilot program. The doctoral school pilot program for Microelectronics in Finland (MIELi) is coordinated by Tampere University and gathers together three Finnish universities with research activities in microelectronics design and development. The MIELi consortium is part of the Microelectronic Finland consortium, including academia and industry.

The University of Oulu opens 10 positions starting 1.8.2024 - 1.1.2025. Three-year funding is guaranteed by the Ministry of Education, that strongly emphasizes fast graduation. In case of manufacturing delays of ICs, etc., research units may consider some extension in time with their own budget.

15 topics are proposed for this call (a broader description is available on the call web page at https://www.microelectronics.fi/mieli ). Topics are roughly in three groups, the first five being pure IC design (either for telecom or other applications, the next five IC and system development for telecommunications, and the last five for microelectronics materials and packaging-related topics :

1. Hybrid Predistortion for Millimeter-Wave Phased Arrays. Contact person: Adj. Prof Janne Aikio, janne.aikio@oulu.fi
2. Time-resolving CMOS single-photon detector array for Raman spectroscopy. Contact person: Professor Ilkka Nissinen, ilkka.nissinen@oulu.fi
3. SoCs for next-generation processor architecture, neuromorphic computing, and biomedical sensors. Contact person: Lauri Koskinen, lauri.koskinen@oulu.fi
4. Visual light communication IoT processing node development. Contact person: Sr. Res Juha Häkkinen, juha.häkkinen@oulu.fi
5. IC development for single photon diode LIDAR arrays. Contact person: Adj.Prof. Jussi Jansson, jussi.jansson@oulu.fi
6. RF/mmW/sub-THz design approaches using AI/ML techniques. Contact person: Prof. Aarno Pärssinen, aarno.parssinen@oulu.fi
7. Low-resolution ADC multi-antenna receiver. Contact person: Ass. Prof. Nuutti Tervo, nuutti.tervo@oulu.fi
8. Sub-THz transmitter IC. Contact person: Research director Marko Leinonen, marko.leinonen@oulu.fi
9. Sub-THz On-chip End-fire Antennas. Contact person: Prof. Jack Soh, pingjack.soh@oulu.fi
10. Integrating Sensing and Communication SoCs. Contact person: Ass. Prof. Zaheer Khan, zaheer.khan@oulu.fi
11. Gradient index structures for sub-THz lens-antenna applications. Contact person: Sr. Researcher Sami Myllymäki, sami.myllymaki@oulu.fi
12. Smart materials and structures for remote RF sensing. Contact person: Prof. Krisztian Kordas, krisztian.kordas@oulu.fi
13. Packaging reliability testing and prognosis. Contact person: Sr. Lecturer Jari Hannu, jari.hannu@oulu.fi
14. Semiconductor device modeling for analog AI accelerators. Contact person: Ass. Prof. Hannu-Pekka Komsa, hannu-pekka.komsa@oulu.fi
15. Chip assembly and interconnects for soft electronic platforms. Contact person: Prof. Heli Jantunen, heli.jantunen@oulu.fi
16. Open topic for well-motivated reasons. This needs to be discussed with the corresponding supervisor. Contact person. Prof. Timo Rahkonen (timo.rahkonen@oulu.fi), Prof. Aarno Pärssinen (aarno.parssinen@oulu.fi), Sr. Res. Jari Juuti (jari.juuti@oulu.fi).

Qualification requirements

The chosen doctoral researchers will also be expected to apply for doctoral study rights at the University of Oulu Graduate School. Eligibility for study rights will be evaluated during the job application process. We are looking for excellent candidates who must fulfill the following criteria:

• Must hold a master's degree or equivalent degree (e.g. licentiate) in relevant fields. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply, provided their Master's or equivalent degree is finished by April 30th, 2024.
• Must have achieved a good grade in their degree (i.e. at least 60 % of the maximum grade in both taught courses and the master's thesis)
• Must be able to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficient to follow doctoral studies.

We view it as a benefit if you are a highly motivated candidate with good communication, teamwork skills, capability for independent work, and organizational skills. Existing experience in the area of the applied topic is considered as an advantage.

Salary

Doctoral researchers' salary follows the Finnish university salary system (for teaching and research personnel): A Doctoral researcher level 2 – 4. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The typical starting salary for a Doctoral researcher is approx. 2500-2800€ per month (before taxes). A trial period of six months will be applied to the position.

The position is filled for a fixed three-year period. The degree is aimed to be completed within three years. The employment contracts are based on a total working time of 1612 hours per year, which gives doctoral researchers the freedom to plan their working hours.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 15.5.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. The application should be written in English and include the following:

The application should be written in English and include the following:

• Indicate which topic(s) you are most interested by using the pulldown menu in the application. You apply only once, and you must choose your main interest and 2-3 other closest areas.
• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant's professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans is valuable to provide here. The letter should also include potential specific interests in topic.
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) Curriculum Vitae of the applicant, including a list of any peer-reviewed scientific publications (with full reference details). A recommended CV template can be found on the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity
• Certificates/Diplomas Scanned copy of the original relevant Master's degree certificates and transcript of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.
• Research plan (max. 4 pages) The research plan should contain information about the background and significance of the research, a description of the intended objectives and methods, and a preliminary schedule.

Note:

Only applications containing all relevant appendices and submitted through the online recruitment system will be considered. Applications received after the call deadline will not be considered.

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups. In certain topics, we need to obey the limitations set by US export regulations limiting the access of certain technologies, for example.

We may share application information with the two other universities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof. Timo Rahkonen, University of Oulu (timo.rahkonen@oulu.fi), Prof. Aarno Pärssinen (aarno.parssinen@oulu.fi), Sr. Res. Jari Juuti (jari.juuti@oulu.fi)