Research Assistant – Mixed-Signal IC Designer for High-Speed SoCs

Job title:

Research Assistant – Mixed-Signal IC Designer for High-Speed SoCs

Company:

Tyndall National Institute

Job description

Research Assistant – Mixed-Signal IC Designer for High-Speed SoCs
Contract: Full Time/Fixed TermAbout us
MCCI is Ireland’s national Microelectronics Circuits Research Centre. Hosted by Tyndall Research Institute (www.tyndall.ie), MCCI has a large team of researchers in silicon chip design, at various stages of their careers, from Masters researcher through to Principal Researcher and all are creating world leading, innovative and high impact technologies, which will shape our future lives. Specifically, MCCI’s mission is to carry out industry-driven, excellent research in areas such as Analog Precision Circuits, RF and High-Speed Transceivers, Cryogenic CMOS and Integrated Power Systems research. For more information, click here.About the Role
Within the research area, RF and High-Speed Transceivers, applicant is sought for fully funded Research Assistant role developing the high-speed signal processing chains. The position is devoted to the development of back-end electronic silicon-based terahertz transmitters. You will design the ICs using the latest CMOS – BiCMOS technologies, simulate and experimentally validate the developed signal processors. You will also participate in testing fully integrated THz transceiver SoC performances and perform system demonstrations using the developed SoCs.What we offer
The appointment carries a competitive salary in accordance with the UCC Research Salary Scale for Research Assistants, with placement on the scale commensurate with qualifications and experience. This project provides an exciting opportunity for aspiring researchers to develop IC design, system architecture, test, and validation skills using the latest CMOS and BiCMOS foundry technologies. You will have the chance to work in close collaboration with industrial partners and gain international visibility through MCCI-Tyndall. Your work will contribute to building a newly established research group focused on the design, implementation, test, and validation of silicon-integrated broadband terahertz transceiver SoCs for imaging and sensing.In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Present your research outcomes in high-impact journals and top-tier international conferences.
• Be part of an innovative research environment with potential for contract renewal based on project needs and performance.
• Explore PhD opportunities, subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability.

Key Responsibilities
As a Research Assistant – Mixed signal IC Designer, you will:

• Design high-speed digital signal processing chains for terahertz transceivers using CMOS and BiCMOS technologies.
• Implement RTL designs for digital baseband processing and interface modules.
• Perform logic synthesis, timing analysis, and verification of digital circuits.
• Simulate and verify digital circuits using industry-standard EDA tools.
• Conduct post-layout simulations and validate designs through FPGA prototyping or silicon testing.
• Collaborate with RF and analog teams for digital and mixed-signal integration.
• Participate in system-level integration and testing of terahertz transceiver SoCs.
• Develop and execute test plans for functional verification, timing validation, and power analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay updated on digital signal processing and IC design techniques.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and research groups within MCCI-Tyndall.
• Contribute to the publication of research findings in high-impact journals and conferences.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Essential criteria

• A Bachelor(honours), Irish Masters or equivalent degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or in a related area, completed or close to completion.
• Strong background in digital IC design, including RTL design using VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Proficiency in signal processing architectures for high-speed transceivers.
• Hands-on experience with FPGA prototyping and ASIC development flows.
• Familiarity with EDA tools (Cadence, Synopsys, Mentor Graphics) for digital design and verification.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++ for modeling and analysis.
• Knowledge of hardware testing and validation methodologies.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research environment with RF and mixed-signal teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Experience with CMOS/BiCMOS technology for high-speed digital circuits.
• Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium, KiCAD or similar.
• Experience with DSP algorithms for high-speed communication systems.
• Understanding of hardware/software co-design and embedded systems.
• Exposure to high-speed serial interfaces (e.g., SerDes, LVDS, DDR, PCIe).
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques for signal processing applications.
• Knowledge of THz communication and sensing systems.
• Prior experience with system-level simulations (MATLAB/Simulink, SystemC).
• Experience in low-power digital design and power optimization techniques.
• Ability to contribute to publications and technical reports.

Appointment may be made on the UCC Research Assistant Salary Scale € 31,962– € 41,943 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.For more information and informal enquiries, please contact Vishal Jagtap
Closing date of application is 28th February 2025Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.At this time, MCCI – Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.Powered by JazzHR

Expected salary

€31962 – 41943 per year

Location

Cork

Job date

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:32:22 GMT

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