100%, Zurich, fixed-term
The Energy-Efficient Circuits and Intelligent Systems Group (EECIS) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (D-ITET), ETH Zurich, invites applications for a doctoral or postdoctoral position in the area of high-speed, energy-efficient analog-to-digital converters. The position is part of an Innosuisse innovation project, developing a next-generation wireline transceiver for AI data centers.
Project background
AI data centers connect thousands of GPUs, and the links between them have become a bottleneck. Today’s 1.6 Tb/s electrical cables reach less than 3 m, which limits rack design and forces a costly move to optics. The project develops active electrical cables that significantly extend the reach. Instead of raising the symbol rate, it uses a space-time coded signaling scheme that lowers the baud rate, and an ADC-based receiver with digital equalization.
In such receivers, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is the main bottleneck and often takes the largest share of power and area. Within the project, our group is responsible for the design of the unit ADC. This position focuses on an energy- and area-efficient multi-GS/s SAR ADC with a minimal silicon footprint, which serves as the building block of a time-interleaved array. To get there, you will explore new techniques such as aggressive capacitive DAC scaling, loop-unrolled and time-based architectures, background calibration, and merging the receiver front-end with the ADC sampler.
Job description
- Develop behavioral models of the ADC and derive its specifications from the link requirements, in close exchange with the industrial partner
- Design, layout and tape out the circuits in advanced CMOS technology, and characterize the chips in our measurement lab
- Investigate new techniques for high-speed, energy- and area-efficient data conversion, including time-interleaving, calibration and low-jitter clock distribution
- Refine the design based on measurement results and support its integration into the transceiver
- Publish your results at leading venues of the field and present them at international conferences
- Contribute to the teaching activities of the group
Profile
- Master’s or Ph.D degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field, with excellent grades
- Solid background in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design
- Experience with data converters, in particular SAR or time-interleaved ADCs, is a strong advantage
- Hands-on experience with Cadence Virtuoso or similar tools. Previous tape-out or lab measurement experience is a plus
- Strong analytical skills and enthusiasm for pushing circuit performance to its limits
- Ability to work independently and in an international team that spans academia and industry
- Excellent written and spoken English
Workplace
Gloriastrasse 35, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
We offer
The Energy-Efficient Circuits and Intelligent Systems Group (EECIS) focuses on circuits and systems for next-generation computing platforms. Its main interest is the energy-efficient design of the key circuit blocks of miniaturized systems, including analog interfaces, optical and RF transceivers, frequency synthesizers, power management units and data converters.
You can look forward to:
- A research project with a clear path from idea to silicon to a product for AI data centers
- Close collaboration with an industrial partner
- A complete IC design and verification environment
- Tape-out support from the ETH Microelectronics Design Center, with access to advanced CMOS processes through multi-project wafer runs
- Our own measurement lab equipped with advanced instruments
- A diverse, international and highly motivated team, with collaborations across ETH and worldwide
- Joining a group with a strong track record in high-speed, energy-efficient data converters
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications if applicable
- Copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Names and contact information of two references
Further information about our group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Taekwang Jang (tkjang@ethz.ch) (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.
Application deadline: 30th of November
Start date: 1st of February 2027 or upon agreement
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.