Website Delft University of Technology
Job description
PhD Position Cryo-CMOS Circuit Design for Temperature Sensors for Quantum Computers
PhD Position
Project Description
Are you ready to shape the future of quantum technology? Join our dynamic team in designing and demonstrating cryo-CMOS integrated circuits to interface quantum computers and quantum sensors!
Job Description
Quantum computers hold the promise of solving problems that are difficult for classical digital computers to solve, while quantum sensors can provide unprecedented accuracy and sensitivity in detecting very small quantities. However, quantum devices typically operate at low temperatures and therefore require long, bulky and unreliable wires to connect to their room temperature control electronics. This wiring bottleneck hinders system scalability and performance. As a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at Delft University of Technology, you will overcome this bottleneck by building cryogenic interfaces for future quantum systems.
In our group, we pioneered the use of CMOS integrated circuits that operate at low temperatures (cryogenic CMOS). We use standard CMOS technology to take advantage of its large-scale integration, which will be needed for future large-scale quantum computers and cryogenic sensors, and its performance.CMOS devices can operate at temperatures as low as 4 K or lower, but their behavior is very different from room temperature, including higher threshold voltages, higher drive currents, and reduced thermal noise. The challenge is to take advantage of the benefits of low-temperature operation, such as lower thermal noise, while at the same time outperforming the state-of-the-art by inventing innovative circuit architectures and systems that circumvent the non-ideal state of the device. While we have demonstrated several high-performance cryogenic-CMOS circuits and systems over the past decade, your challenge will be to demonstrate new capabilities that advance circuit performance and knowledge.
In this program, you will address the key challenge of thermal management in cryogenic systems. Quantum systems require complex integration strategies, often involving the three-dimensional integration of multiple chips and components. Sensitive components such as quantum bits (qubits) are severely affected by temperature variations and must be kept at the lowest possible temperature. Other components, such as cryo-CMOS electrical interfaces, can dissipate significant power but must minimize thermal crosstalk with other system components. Any thermal management strategy requires accurate sensing of the temperatures of different components, but existing cryogenic temperature sensors are bulky, expensive, and require precise analog readings and extensive calibration. To circumvent this limitation, your research will be devoted to the invention and development of a fully integrated smart temperature sensor that can operate at cryogenic temperatures down to 4K and below. Although smart temperature sensors using CMOS technology have been developed for decades in the standard temperature range around room temperature, these standard technologies cannot be readily applied at low temperatures and therefore require innovations in sensing elements, readout circuits and energy efficiency. During your PhD, you will design several prototypes of cryo-CMOS temperature sensors, fabricate them in advanced CMOS technology, and characterize the prototypes in our state-of-the-art low-temperature electrical characterization lab.
Your research results will drive the latest developments in the field of cryogenic-CMOS circuit design and will be presented at top conferences in the field of integrated circuit development and published in high-impact scientific journals. Your cryo-CMOS temperature sensors will be integrated into large-scale prototypes developed by TU Delft and our industrial partners to make a real impact in the field of quantum technology.
<job_requirements
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Strong interest and deep background in analog circuit design; hands-on circuit design experience in academia or industry is preferred but not required.
Good analytical, creative and problem solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability and desire to work in an international collaborative environment.
<job_benefits
Delft University of Technology has strong foundations. As the creator of the world-famous Dutch Waterworks and a pioneer in biotechnology, Delft University of Technology is a leading international university of science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation, and is able to meet challenges in the fields of energy, climate, transportation, health and the digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem solvers in business and social contexts.
At TU Delft, we have made diversity one of our core values and are actively committed to being a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe that this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions that utilize technology to make a positive impact on a global scale. That's why we invite you to apply. Your application will be considered fairly.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined and mutually reinforcing, they are the driving force behind the technologies we use in our daily lives. Our faculties are helping to make technologies such as the power grid fully sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future and laying the foundations for the software technologies that will run on the next generation of devices, including, of course, artificial intelligence. At the same time, we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example by using single-cell data to map disease processes and by using mathematics to simulate the enormous ash flows that follow volcanic eruptions. In other words: the Academy has plenty of room for groundbreaking research. We train innovative engineers and have excellent laboratories and facilities, all of which underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,000 staff and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science website.
Terms and conditions of employment PhD candidates will in principle be offered a 4-year term of employment, but will be offered in the form of 2 employment contracts. The first contract will be for 1.5 years, with a formal "go/no-go" progress assessment within 15 months. If all goes well and performance requirements are met, a supplementary contract of 2.5 years will be signed.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the collective labor agreement of the Dutch universities and increase from €2,901 per month in the first year to €3,707 per month in the fourth year. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Delft University of Technology. The Graduate School of Delft University of Technology has an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and mentors to provide you with an inspiring research environment. The doctoral education program is designed to develop your transferable, discipline-relevant and research skills.
Delft University of Technology offers customizable remuneration packages, discounts on health insurance and a monthly allowance for work expenses. Flexible working hours can be arranged.
Do you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to making your relocation as smooth as possible! The HR department "Come to Delft Service" provides information on its website to help you prepare for your move. In addition, Come to Delft organizes events to help you get settled in the Netherlands and expand your (social) network in Delft. We also offer a "Dual Career Program" to help your accompanying partner find a job in the Netherlands.
</job_benefits
https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-position-Cryo-CMOS-Circuit-Design-of-Temperature-Sensors-for-Quantum- Computers-2628-CD/814158002/?utm_campaign=Mimir=AcademicTransfer%202020%20EN
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Europe, The Netherlands
Doctoral position</position_name
University of Delft University of Technology
Doctoral Position Cryo-CMOS Circuit Design for Temperature Sensors for Quantum Computers
Increased from 2901 euros per month in the first year to 3707 euros per month in the fourth year
https://www.tudelft.nl/
2025-03-30
[email protected]
true
true</is_doctoral_position
false</is_master_position
false</is_bachelor_position
offer requirements
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Strong interest and deep background in analog circuit design; hands-on circuit design experience in academia or industry is preferred but not required.
Good analytical, creative and problem solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Ability and desire to work in an international collaborative environment.
offer benefits
Delft University of Technology has a strong foundation. As the creator of the world-famous Dutch Waterworks and a pioneer in biotechnology, Delft University of Technology is a leading international university of science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation, and is able to meet challenges in the fields of energy, climate, transportation, health and the digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem solvers in business and social contexts.
At TU Delft, we have made diversity one of our core values and are actively committed to being a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe that this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions that utilize technology to make a positive impact on a global scale. That’s why we invite you to apply. Your application will be considered fairly.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined and mutually reinforcing, they are the driving force behind the technologies we use in our daily lives. Our faculties are helping to make technologies such as the power grid fully sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future and laying the foundations for the software technologies that will run on the next generation of devices, including, of course, artificial intelligence. At the same time, we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example by using single-cell data to map disease processes and by using mathematics to simulate the enormous ash flows that follow volcanic eruptions. In other words: the Academy has plenty of room for groundbreaking research. We train innovative engineers and have excellent laboratories and facilities, all of which underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,000 staff and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the School of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science website.
Terms and conditions of employment PhD candidates will in principle be offered a 4-year term of employment, but will be offered in the form of 2 employment contracts. The first contract will be for 1.5 years, with a formal “go/no-go” progress assessment within 15 months. If all goes well and performance requirements are met, a supplementary contract of 2.5 years will be signed.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the collective labor agreement of the Dutch universities and increase from €2,901 per month in the first year to €3,707 per month in the fourth year. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Delft University of Technology. The Graduate School of Delft University of Technology has an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and mentors to provide you with an inspiring research environment. The doctoral education program is designed to develop your transferable, discipline-relevant and research skills.
Delft University of Technology offers customizable remuneration packages, discounts on health insurance and a monthly allowance for work expenses. Flexible working hours can be arranged.
Do you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to making your relocation as smooth as possible! The HR department “Come to Delft Service” provides information on its website to help you prepare for your move. In addition, Come to Delft organizes events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your (social) network in Delft. We also offer a “Dual Career Program” to help your accompanying partner find a job in the Netherlands.
To apply for this job please visit tudelft.nl.