PhD position on physics of tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente invites applications for a PhD position focused on the physics of tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics, as part of the TunnelVision project. This research is conducted within the integrated devices & systems (IDS) and power electronics (PE) groups, in close collaboration with the integrated-circuit design (ICD) group. The project aims to explore the feasibility of novel ultralow-power electronics based on quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes in advanced CMOS technology, with significant implications for Internet-of-Things and edge artificial intelligence applications.

The successful candidate will experimentally study quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes, develop and analyze test structures and new tunnelling devices, and address device modelling and simulation aspects. The work involves using advanced electrical DC and RF measurement equipment at the university's measurement & test centre. A key challenge will be to co-develop physics-based models for circuit simulations, informed by literature review and experimental outcomes. The project is highly collaborative, involving another PhD student working on ultralow-power circuit blocks and extensive interaction with scientific staff from the ICD group and industrial partners such as NXP Semiconductors.

The position is based at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente in Enschede, The Netherlands. Daily supervision will be provided by Dr. Ray Hueting (PE group) and Prof. Jurriaan Schmitz (IDS group), with additional support from a senior engineer. The candidate will also participate in teaching activities (10%-20% of time) and benefit from a stimulating, international research environment.

Applicants should have an MSc degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related discipline, with strong theoretical, programming, and experimental skills. Affinity with modelling, semiconductor physics, and electronics is essential, as is fluency in English and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

The offer includes a full-time PhD appointment for four years, a competitive gross monthly salary (€3,059–€3,881), holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%), pension scheme, flexible work arrangements, generous leave, free sports facilities, and family-friendly policies. The position is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in Applied and Engineering Sciences (TTW).

To apply, submit your application online by January 4, 2026, including a CV with courses and grades, a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your motivation and qualifications, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references. Screening is part of the selection process.

The IDS and PE groups are internationally oriented, conducting research in collaboration with multinational semiconductor companies and local industry. The faculty of EEMCS is a leader in ICT research, contributing to societal development and working closely with industrial partners and research institutes such as Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute.