Job description

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Microelectronics available at Department of Informatics.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. Starting date no later than October 1, 2023.

The fellowship period is three (3) years. A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

More about the position

Energy efficiency and low-power operation of integrated circuits are key elements in reaching global sustainability goals. This is particularly important for wireless devices operating on batteries or through energy harvesting. Such devices are normally referred to as IoT (Internet of Things) nodes, typically combining sensors, data processing / machine learning and wireless communication in a small unit. IoT devices are critical components in our every-day life and enables improved quality-of-life through seamless interaction, smart environments, environmental- and health monitoring among others. However, to enable many of these desired applications in a sustainable manner, the electronics needs to be self-powered, not relying on batteries.

The main objective of this project is to extend state-of-the-art in energy-efficient and ultra-low supply voltage operation of fully integrated IoT nodes including processing hardware for machine learning (ML) algorithms, memory elements, sensor interfacing and other required support functions. The hypothesis is that combining ultra-low supply voltage operation and mixed digital and analog signal processing (ASP) techniques inspired by the human nerve system will offer significantly higher energy efficiency compared to traditional techniques. The project will address both system-level aspects and detailed integrated circuit design address these challenges. CMOS circuit prototyping of key building blocks and ultimately realize a small IoT node will be key goals for the project.

The selected candidate will be part of the Micro-/Nanoelectronics group at the Machine Learning section within Dept. of Informatics. The research group has a long research tradition within low-power CMOS circuit design, biomedical circuits and systems, sensor interfaces / data converters, and UWB radar systems among others. The project also involves collaboration with industry and international research groups / universities.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for this fellowship will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering / Microelectronics
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Documented knowledge within CMOS analog / mixed signal integrated circuit design

Desired qualifications

• Experience with CMOS circuit prototyping, PCB-design, and in-lab testing
• Experience from biomedical engineering
• Knowledge about data converters, sensor systems and interfaces

Candidates without a Master’s degree have until 30 June, 2023 to complete the final exam.

The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence.

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position. For more information see:

• http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/
• http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

• Creative, analytical and critical mindset
• Good scientific communication skills, orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team
• Interest in supervision and teaching

We offer

• Salary NOK 501 200 – 544 400 per year depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma, transcripts of records and
• Optional: Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of English proficiency
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Applicants will be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Professor Dag T. Wisland, phone: +47 91367679, e-mail: dagwis@ifi.uio.no or
  
• Adjunct Professor Snorre Aunet, phone: +47 90013264, e-mail: sa@ifi.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Therese Ringvold, e-mail: therese.ringvold@mn.uio.no

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