Last application date Dec 15, 2026 23:59
Department TW06 - Department of Electronics and Information Systems
Degree master’s degree in electronic engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is an internationally oriented research university with approximately 50,000 students, 15,500 employees, and nearly 5,000 doctoral researchers. Its doctoral researchers benefit from high-quality supervision, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, comprehensive doctoral training, and an international and multidisciplinary research community. Through its Dare to Think philosophy, the university encourages scientific curiosity, innovation, academic independence, and the development of critical and independent researchers.
You will join the Center for Microsystems Technology (CMST), an imec-associated research laboratory within the Department of Electronics and Information Systems (ELIS) of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. CMST conducts research on smart microsystem design and integration across technology platforms that include smart power, advanced packaging, and microsystem integration. The position therefore offers a highly relevant environment for interdisciplinary research combining GaN technology, integrated-circuit design, and power electronics.
This doctoral position is offered within BESCAPE (Boosting Europe’s Space Competitiveness through Advanced Power Electronics), a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network Joint Doctorate developed with the European Space Agency and leading European space companies. BESCAPE addresses power conversion, advanced control, and power-distribution challenges for future human space-exploration missions. Ghent University offers one fully funded doctoral position in this international research and training network, in close collaboration with imec and the University of Oviedo.
YOUR TASKS
As a doctoral researcher, you will:
Study state-of-the-art point-of-load (PoL) converter architectures and integrated-circuit solutions for space applications, identifying their main limitations and opportunities for further integration.
Explore and develop new circuit and system-level design solutions for highly integrated PoL converters.
Design and develop an all-GaN integrated circuit using one of imec’s low-voltage GaN technologies, targeting a stand-alone PoL voltage regulator for space applications.
Investigate the project’s Level 4 integration concept, with monolithic implementation of the closed-loop control and key circuit blocks, including the reference-voltage generator, error amplifier, comparator, sawtooth generator, and on-chip local supply-voltage generator.
Develop health-monitoring, protection, and reliability concepts, including temperature monitoring, short-circuit detection, and on-chip redundancy for critical circuit blocks.
Closely collaborate with researchers at CMST, imec, and the University of Oviedo, combining expertise in integrated-circuit design, GaN technology, and power-converter design.
Undertake research secondments at imec and the University of Oviedo as part of the BESCAPE Joint Doctorate programme.
Disseminate your research results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.
Contribute to the research activities of the group and assist with a limited number of educational tasks.