Doctoral fellow - Department of Electronics and Information Systems

Last application date: Dec 15, 2026 23:59

Department: TW06 - Department of Electronics and Information Systems

Degree: master’s degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline

Occupancy rate: 100%

Vacancy type: Research staff

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is an internationally oriented research university with approximately 50,000 students, 15,500 employees, and nearly 5,000 doctoral researchers. Its doctoral researchers benefit from high-quality supervision, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, comprehensive doctoral training, and an international and multidisciplinary research community. Through its Dare to Think philosophy, the university encourages scientific curiosity, innovation, academic independence, and the development of critical and independent researchers.

You will join the Center for Microsystems Technology (CMST), an imec-associated research laboratory within the Department of Electronics and Information Systems (ELIS) of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. CMST conducts research on smart microsystem design and integration across technology platforms that include smart power, advanced packaging, and microsystem integration. The position therefore offers a highly relevant environment for interdisciplinary research combining GaN technology, integrated-circuit design, and power electronics.

This doctoral position is offered within BESCAPE (Boosting Europe’s Space Competitiveness through Advanced Power Electronics), a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network Joint Doctorate developed with the European Space Agency and leading European space companies. BESCAPE addresses power conversion, advanced control, and power-distribution challenges for future human space-exploration missions. Ghent University offers one fully funded doctoral position in this international research and training network, in close collaboration with imec and the University of Oviedo.

YOUR TASKS

As a doctoral researcher, you will:

• Study state-of-the-art point-of-load (PoL) converter architectures and integrated-circuit solutions for space applications, identifying their main limitations and opportunities for further integration.
• Explore and develop new circuit and system-level design solutions for highly integrated PoL converters.
• Design and develop an all-GaN integrated circuit using one of imec’s low-voltage GaN technologies, targeting a stand-alone PoL voltage regulator for space applications.
• Investigate the project’s Level 4 integration concept, with monolithic implementation of the closed-loop control and key circuit blocks, including the reference-voltage generator, error amplifier, comparator, sawtooth generator, and on-chip local supply-voltage generator.
• Develop health-monitoring, protection, and reliability concepts, including temperature monitoring, short-circuit detection, and on-chip redundancy for critical circuit blocks.
• Closely collaborate with researchers at CMST, imec, and the University of Oviedo, combining expertise in integrated-circuit design, GaN technology, and power-converter design.
• Undertake research secondments at imec and the University of Oviedo as part of the BESCAPE Joint Doctorate programme.
• Disseminate your research results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.
• Contribute to the research activities of the group and assist with a limited number of educational tasks.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a master’s degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• You have a solid background in electronic systems and circuit design, with a good understanding of analogue electronics and the design and operation of electronic circuits.
• You have good knowledge of power electronics and power-converter topologies, including the principles of DC-DC conversion, switching converters, and their control.
• You have a good understanding of semiconductor devices and their application in electronic and power-conversion circuits.
• You have experience with circuit modelling and simulation and are familiar with relevant simulation and programming environments, such as SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python.
• Experience in analogue and/or mixed-signal IC design is a strong asset. Experience with an IC process design kit (PDK), including schematic design, circuit simulation, layout, DRC, LVS, and parasitic extraction (PEX), is highly valued.
• Experience with Cadence design tools or equivalent IC design environments is an asset.
• Hands-on experience with PCB design, embedded electronics, laboratory measurement setups, or electrical characterization is considered an advantage.
• You are highly motivated to conduct independent scientific research, explore new circuit and system concepts, and publish your results at leading international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a critical and creative mindset, and the ability to work effectively in an international and collaborative research environment.
• You have excellent spoken and written English communication skills.

Eligibility requirements: At the recruitment date, you must not hold a doctoral degree and must not have resided in or carried out your main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment. You must also meet the doctoral admission requirements of Ghent University and the University of Oviedo.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A fully funded, full-time doctoral position, initially offered for 12 months and, following a positive evaluation, in principle extended for an additional 36 months, resulting in a total maximum duration of 48 months, within the BESCAPE Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Joint Doctorate (Grant Agreement No. 101312786). The estimated start date is between May and October 2027.
• A joint doctoral degree awarded by Ghent University and the University of Oviedo.
• An international training programme with leading universities, the European Space Agency, European space companies, and imec, including secondments, BESCAPE summer schools, and specialised training events.
• A full employment contract and social-security coverage under Belgian legislation.
• An MSCA funding package comprising living and mobility allowances and, where applicable, a family allowance. The indicated gross annual amount before employer and employee contributions is EUR 56,640 per year, plus a family allowance of EUR 7,920 per year where applicable.
• A workplace at the Center for Microsystems Technology (CMST), an imec-associated research laboratory within ELIS at Ghent University in Ghent-Zwijnaarde. Two planned research secondments: three months at imec in Leuven and six months at the University of Oviedo in Spain.

INTERESTED?

Submit your application by email to benoit.bakeroot@ugent.be no later than 15 December 2026. Use “Application BESCAPE PhD position DC6” as the subject line and include:

• a detailed CV in Europass format;
• bachelor’s and master’s academic certificates and transcripts, including examinations and grades;
• a copy of a valid passport or European identity card; and
• contact details of two academic referees.

Documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation. Additional documentation may be requested during the selection process.