PhD in fast multi-scale electromagnetic modeling for RF systems

Introduction

Are you our next PhD candidate eager to build fast and multi-scale electromagnetic techniques for analyzing state-of-the-art RF applications and systems? Are you interested in making RF system design possible in which even the small details can be readily incorporated into the electromagnetic model for robust performance analysis?

Job Description

Antenna and RF systems play a pivotal role in society by providing a crucial enabling medical diagnostics, transportation, and communication in the form of MRI applications, automotive radars, and 5G/6G applications, respectively. To meet the ever-increasing demands of society, e.g. wireless data bandwidth, antenna and RF systems are exhibiting a higher degree of complexity in materials, geometries, and length scales. As a result, the design of such systems has become quite a challenge. This becomes even more challenging when considering that the design of these systems hinges on the usage of electromagnetic modeling techniques, which require the full re-evaluation of the model when even a small system change is introduced. As such, there is a clear need for electromagnetic modeling techniques that can support the design of the next generation of antenna and RF systems in a fast and accurate manner.

In the computational Electromagnetics research group (EMPMC lab), we have been pioneering the “Linear Embedding of Green’s Operators” method, which is an in-house domain decomposition method based on integral equations. This electromagnetic modeling technique has shown excellent performance both timewise and precision. However, this technique is not yet applicable for the support of the design of next-generation antenna and RF systems. Consequently, we are looking for a PhD candidate to take up the challenge of extending the capabilities of our in-house domain decomposition method to meet the design requirements of these antenna and RF systems at the heart of medical diagnostics and automotive radar applications.

As PhD candidate, you will extend the in-house domain decomposition method by introducing multi-scale techniques, such that small details can be readily incorporated. This will involve hierarchical modeling strategies. Additionally, you will help in extending the possible material properties within the electromagnetic modeling techniques, such that we can model systems consisting of a wide range of varying materials. These extensions will be employed and tested on actual measurement data as a benchmark.

The project will involve mathematical modeling, construction of numerical methods, coding, testing, numerical simulations, and possibly measurements. You will mainly do your programming work in a mixed programming environment, i.e. combining both high-level and low-level programming languages such as Python for the former and Fortran/C++ for the latter. You will be part of the EMPMC lab, headed by prof. van Beurden, embedded within the broader Electromagnetics group.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Applied Mathematics, with prior experience in computation modeling of physical phenomena.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Familiarity with both low-level (e.g. C++, Fortran, etc.) and high-level (e.g. Python, MATLAB) programming languages and concepts.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).  
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof. Martijn van Beurden at [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.