Jurriaan Schmitz

The University of Twente’s Integrated Devices & Systems (IDS) and Power Electronics (PE) groups are offering a PhD position focused on the physics of tunnelling devices for ultralow-power electronics, as part of the TunnelVision project. This research aims to explore the feasibility of novel ultralow-power electronics leveraging quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes in advanced CMOS technology, with significant potential for Internet-of-Things (IoT) and edge artificial intelligence applications. The project is a collaborative effort, led by the Integrated-Circuit Design (ICD) group, and involves close cooperation with a second PhD student developing ultralow-power circuit blocks based on tunnelling. The successful candidate will experimentally study quantum-mechanical tunnelling processes, address the physics and device modelling/simulation aspects of new tunnelling devices, and use dedicated electrical DC and RF measurement equipment to develop and analyse specially designed test structures and devices. A key challenge will be to co-develop physics-based models for circuit simulations, informed by a thorough literature review and research outcomes. The position offers daily guidance from experienced supervisors, Dr. Ray Hueting (PE group) and Prof. Jurriaan Schmitz (IDS group), with additional support from a senior engineer. Collaboration is central, involving extensive interaction with scientific staff and industry partners such as NXP Semiconductors. The role also includes teaching activities in the candidate’s field of expertise, accounting for 10%-20% of the time. The research is conducted within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), a multidisciplinary environment with strong ties to industry and international research institutes. The project is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in Applied and Engineering Sciences (TTW). Applicants should have a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, with a strong background in quantum mechanics, semiconductor device physics, and experimental techniques. Proficiency in English is required. Applications must include a CV, cover letter, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references. The deadline for applications is January 5, 2026.

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.