PhD position in All-GaN-based integrated circuit design for Point-of-Load voltage regulator for space applications

Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 15 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country: Belgium Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101312786 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description BESCAPE ("Boosting Europe’s Space Competitiveness through Advanced Power Electronics") is a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network Joint Doctorate (DN-JD) initiative developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and leading European space companies. The project will officially start on 1 January 2027. The project addresses emerging challenges in power conversion, advanced control, and power distribution systems for future human space exploration missions. BESCAPE brings together a highly international consortium comprising 11 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) distributed across leading European universities and research institutions. The academic beneficiaries include Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain), Universiteit Twente (UT, The Netherlands), Universidad de Oviedo (UNIOVI, Spain), KU Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), Université de Mons (UMONS, Belgium), Ghent University (UGent, Belgium), Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD, Italy), and Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH, Spain). These academic partners collaborate closely with space-sector stakeholders, including the European Space Agency (ESA, The Netherlands), Leonardo S.p.A. (Leonardo, Italy), IMEC (Belgium), Thales Alenia Space Belgium (TAS-B, Belgium), OHB System AG (OHB, Germany), and CRISA-AIRBUS (Spain), creating a unique research and training environment that combines academic excellence with industrial and space-sector expertise. The Ghent University offers one fully funded PhD position “ All-GaN-based integrated circuits for Point of Load (PoL) voltage regulator for space applications” (DC6) within this international research network, providing the opportunity to work closely with leading academic experts, and industrial partners (IMEC) while contributing to technologies for future space missions. Estimated start date: Between May and October of 2027 Duration: 48 months: Initial 12-month appointment, in principle extended for a further 36 months following a positive evaluation; maximum total duration: 48 months. Host Institution: Ghent University Supervisors from Ghent University (Belgium) and University of Oviedo Joint Degree Partner Universidad de Oviedo (UNIOVI), Spain Industrial Mentors: IMEC (Belgium) Research Objective: To study and develop a GaN-IC using one of IMEC’s low-voltage technologies, integrating a stand-alone point-of-load (PoL) voltage regulator for space applications. We aim to explore high-level integration (Level 4) to enable efficient and intelligent systems. Level 4 integration involves monolithic implementation of closed-loop control, including key circuit blocks: a reference voltage generator, error amplifier, comparator, sawtooth generator, and on-chip local supply voltage generator. The research will also address converter health monitoring and protection, including temperature monitoring, short-circuit detection, and on-chip redundancy for critical circuit blocks, with the aim of preventing catastrophic failures in satellite applications. Secondments: IMEC (for 3 months ): to study system-level requirements and reliability considerations and gain experience with IC simulation and layout tools. UNIOVI (for 6 months): to design the magnetic and capacitive passive components of the PoL regulator and complete doctoral coursework required for the joint degree. Where to apply E-mail: benoit.bakeroot@ugent.be Requirements Research Field: Engineering » Electronic engineering Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications You hold a master’s degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline. You have a solid background in electronic systems and circuit design, with a good understanding of analogue electronics and the design and operation of electronic circuits. You have good knowledge of power electronics and power-converter topologies, including the principles of DC-DC conversion, switching converters, and their control. You have a good understanding of semiconductor devices and their application in electronic and power-conversion circuits. You have experience with circuit modelling and simulation and are familiar with relevant simulation and programming environments, such as SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python. Experience in analogue and/or mixed-signal IC design is a strong asset. Experience with an IC process design kit (PDK), including schematic design, circuit simulation, layout, DRC, LVS, and parasitic extraction (PEX), is highly valued. Experience with Cadence design tools or equivalent IC design environments is an asset. Hands-on experience with PCB design, embedded electronics, laboratory measurement setups, or electrical characterization is considered an advantage. You are highly motivated to conduct independent scientific research, explore new circuit and system concepts, and publish your results at leading international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a critical and creative mindset, and the ability to work effectively in an international and collaborative research environment. You have excellent spoken and written English communication skills. Specific Requirements see eligibility criteria Languages: ENGLISH Level: Excellent Additional Information Benefits Double / Joint PhD Degree Successful candidates will obtain a joint doctoral degree awarded by Ghent University (Belgium) and the University of Oviedo (Spain). International Training Programme Joining BESCAPE offers a unique opportunity to develop a PhD within an international network involving leading universities, ESA, and major European space companies. Candidates will benefit from: International secondments. Participation in specialized BESCAPE Summer Schools and training events. Collaboration with internationally recognized researchers and industry experts. Competitive MSCA funding package including Living, Mobility, and Family Allowances (where applicable). Full employment contract and social security coverage under Belgian legislation . Salary & Financial Conditions This position is funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks programme under the BESCAPE project (Grant Agreement No. 101312786). Gross salary (before all employer and employee contributions): 56,640 EUR (including MSCA Living and Mobility Allowances) per year (plus Family Allowance of 7,920 EUR per year, if applicable) Eligibility criteria Applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree. Candidates must meet admission requirements for the PhD programs at Ghent University and the University of Oviedo. Selection process Recruitment will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) policy of the European Commission, ensuring equal opportunities, fairness, transparency, and selection based solely on candidates’ qualifications, skills, and merits. The selection process will ensure equal opportunities and non-discrimination. Applications will first be reviewed for eligibility. Candidates will then be assessed based on their academic background, technical skills, research experience and suitability for the project. The strongest candidates will be shortlisted and invited to an online interview. The final candidate will be selected based on the overall combination of qualifications, experience, skills, research potential and interview performance. Experience will be valued in: Knowledge and experience in electronic systems, analogue circuit design, power electronics, and power-converter topologies and control (25%) Knowledge of semiconductor devices and technologies, including their operation and application in electronic and power-conversion circuits (25%) Circuit design, modelling and simulation skills, including experience with circuit simulators and programming/modelling environments such as SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python. Experience in analogue or mixed-signal IC design and familiarity with IC design tools and PDK-based design flows, including DRC, LVS and PEX, are strong assets (25%) Research potential and communication skills, including strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, a critical and creative mindset, the ability to formulate and investigate research questions independently, and excellent proficiency in spoken and written English (25%) Required Documents Candidates must submit their application by email to benoit.bakeroot@ugent.be before the deadline with “Application BESCAPE PhD position DC6” in the subject line. The following documents must be attached: A detailed CV in Europass format Academic certificates and transcripts, including examinations and grades from bachelor's and master’s studies A copy of a valid identification document, such as a passport or European identity card Contact details of two academic referees. Documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an English translation . Additional documentation may be requested during the selection process. Additional comments This position is funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme through the BESCAPE project (Grant Agreement No. 101312786). The position is offered for an initial period of 12 months and, following a positive evaluation, is in principle extended for an additional 36 months, resulting in a total maximum duration of 48 months. The position is part of the BESCAPE Joint Doctorate programme, leading to a joint doctoral degree from Ghent University and the University of Oviedo. The doctoral candidate will participate in the international BESCAPE training programme, including secondments and network-wide training activities. The position includes planned secondments at imec and the University of Oviedo. Candidates must comply with all Horizon Europe and MSCA eligibility requirements. Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Ghent University / Department of electronics and information systems - Centre for microsystems technology Country: Belgium City: Gent - Zwijnaarde Postal Code: B-9052 Street: Technologiepark 126 Contact City: Gent Website: https://www.ugent.be/ Street: Technologiepark - Zwijnaarde 126 Postal Code: 9052