Postdoctoral Researcher – RF Designer for Integrated SoC Front-End
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
About us
MCCI is Ireland’s national Microelectronics Circuits Research Centre. Hosted by Tyndall Research Institute, MCCI has a large team of researchers in silicon chip design, at various stages of their careers, from Masters researcher through to Principal Researcher, all creating world-leading, innovative, and high-impact technologies that will shape our future lives. 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
In the field of RF and High-Speed Transceivers, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the design, simulation, and validation of fully integrated RF front-end architectures for high-frequency System-on-Chip (SoC) devices. This position focuses on the development of on-chip RF front-end circuits using the latest CMOS and BiCMOS technologies. The successful candidate will also participate in testing fully integrated THz transceiver SoCs and system demonstrations, validating the performance of the developed SoCs.
What we offer
The position offers a competitive salary, in accordance with the UCC Research Salary Scale for Postdoctoral Researchers, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This role presents an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of RF and high-speed transceiver design, specializing in the development of fully integrated RF front-end architectures for millimeter-wave and terahertz SoCs. You will gain hands-on experience in IC design, system integration, and experimental validation using the latest CMOS and BiCMOS foundry technologies. The position offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment, engaging with industrial partners, research institutes, and leading semiconductor foundries. This role offers substantial potential for career development and the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research publications and technology demonstrations. The initial contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and project funding. Additional opportunities for career progression are available, including collaboration with industry and further academic development.
Key Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Researcher – RF Designer for Integrated SoC Front-End, you will:
1. Develop and validate RF front-end circuits (e.g., power amplifiers, LNAs, mixers, frequency synthesizers) for high-frequency SoCs.
2. Design on-chip antennas, ensuring optimal radiation efficiency, impedance matching, and integration with RF circuits.
3. Perform system-level architectural trade-offs to optimize performance, power efficiency, and area constraints.
4. Develop custom ICs, perform full-chip co-simulations, and experimentally verify fabricated prototypes.
5. Integrate and test complete THz SoCs, ensuring compliance with key performance metrics.
6. Work with multi-disciplinary teams, collaborating with digital and mixed-signal designers to co-optimize SoC performance.
7. Engage with industrial partners, contributing to technology transfer and potential commercialization opportunities.
8. Publish research findings in high-impact journals and international conferences.
9. Supervise and mentor PhD and MSc students, contributing to knowledge transfer within the research group.
10. Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
11. Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
12. Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
* A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on RFIC design, microwave engineering, or high-frequency SoCs.
* Strong understanding of RF front-end circuit design, including one or more of the following: PAs, LNAs, Mixers, Frequency synthesizers (VCOs, PLLs).
* Experience in designing, simulating, and modeling antennas, including impedance matching and radiation performance.
* Proficiency in RF/microwave design tools, such as Cadence Virtuoso, ADS, HFSS, CST, or Momentum.
* Hands-on experience with electromagnetic simulation and co-design of RF circuits.
* Strong understanding of CMOS/BiCMOS technologies for RFIC implementation.
* Demonstrated ability to perform RF measurements, including one or more of the following: S-parameters, noise figure, and linearity tests.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Desirable Criteria
* Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity.
* Experience in system-level RF architecture design, including link budget analysis and performance optimization.
* Hands-on experience with advanced packaging and integration techniques for high-frequency ICs.
* Experience in interdisciplinary projects, working with mixed signal/digital designers.
* Experience in supervising PhD/MSc students or mentoring junior researchers.
* Industrial or collaborative research experience, particularly in partnership with semiconductor companies.
* Experience in technology transfer, patents, or commercialization of RFIC designs.
Appointment
Appointment may be made on the UCC Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale €44,847 – €51,313 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
Application 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr