About Quantum Circuits, Architecture, and Technology (QCAT) section

PhD Position Electrical Engineering: Cryo-CMOS Circuit Design for Temperature Sensors in Quantum Job Details | TU Delft

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PhD Position Electrical Engineering: Cryo-CMOS Circuit Design for Temperature Sensors in Quantum

Contribute to quantum technologies by developing integrated cryogenic temperature sensors. Join our vibrant team in demonstrating cryo-CMOS integrated circuits enabling the next quantum technologies!

Quantum computers and quantum sensors require electronic interfaces that can operate reliably at cryogenic temperatures. However, conventional room-temperature electronics rely on extensive wiring, creating significant challenges for scalability, system integration, and performance. In this PhD project, you will contribute to the development of cryogenic electronic interfaces that support future quantum technologies.

You will join a leading research group at TU Delft that pioneers cryo-CMOS integrated circuits: CMOS circuits operating at temperatures as low as 4 K. These technologies enable highly integrated electronic systems for quantum computing and sensing applications and offer unique opportunities for innovation in analog and mixed-signal circuit design.

Your research will focus on the development of integrated cryogenic temperature sensors. Accurate temperature monitoring is essential for thermal management in complex quantum systems, where temperature variations can affect performance and reliability. Existing cryogenic sensors are often bulky, costly, and difficult to integrate. Although smart temperature sensors in CMOS technology have been developed for decades over the standard temperature range around room temperature, those standard techniques cannot be readily applied at cryogenic temperatures, thus requiring innovations in terms of sensing elements, readout circuitry, and power efficiency. You will then investigate new sensing principles and develop energy-efficient sensor architectures specifically designed for operation at cryogenic temperatures.

Throughout your PhD, you will design, simulate, fabricate, and characterize multiple cryo-CMOS prototypes using advanced CMOS technologies. You will perform measurements in TU Delft’s dedicated cryogenic characterization facilities and gain experience with the complete integrated circuit design cycle, from concept development to experimental validation.

You will work closely with researchers, PhD candidates, and industrial partners active in cryogenic electronics and quantum technologies. Your results will contribute to international research projects and will lead to presentations at leading conferences and publications in high-impact journals.

This position offers the opportunity to develop expertise in analog integrated circuit design, cryogenic electronics, and semiconductor technologies while growing into an independent researcher. The knowledge and skills acquired during the project provide a strong foundation for careers in academia, research institutes, and the semiconductor and high-tech industries.

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About Quantum Circuits, Architecture, and Technology (QCAT) section

About Quantum and Computer Engineering (QCE) department

You hold an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering (must-have).

You have a strong interest and demonstarted interest in analog integrated circuit design

Hands-on experience in circuit design, gained thorugh academic research, industry projects, or internships, is considered an advantage.

You demonsrated strong analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.

You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Ability and eagerness to work in an international collaborative environment.

To thrive as a PhD candidate, it is crucial to have a strong research mindset driven by curiosity and passion for your topic. Reflecting on your motivation for pursuing a PhD trajectory is essential, as this path involves unique challenges and uncertainties inherent to scientific exploration. Success requires dedication, adaptability, the ability to analyze complex problems, manage your time effectively, innovate and stay resilient under pressure. Combined with the ability and willingness to work independently and collaborate well, these qualities are indispensable for a fulfilling PhD journey. These experiences will build you as an independent researcher, expand your professional network, and pave the way for diverse career pave the way for diverse career paths, inside or outside academia.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty of 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.

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 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the f