PhD - AI Methods for CMOS Circuit Design

Stellenbeschreibung:

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF, we know our technologies like the back of our hand. Because we are one of the few scientific institutions worldwide to conduct research along the entire semiconductor value chain and on tailor‑made synthetic diamonds. Whether high‑frequency circuits for communications technology, voltage‑converter modules for electromobility, laser systems for measurement processes, or innovative hardware and software for quantum computers and quantum sensors: we develop tomorrow’s technology in‑house for a sustainable and secure society.

Become part of our AI team at the brand‑new “Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence” at our branch in Heilbronn ( ipai campus ). Together with leading partners from industry and science, we research and develop electronic complementary metal‑oxide‑semiconductor digital circuits with the help of artificial intelligence. Unleash your potential in an inspiring environment focused on research and development of the latest applications in the automotive, robotics, space, and security sectors—become part of our mission to create innovative solutions for the future.

Around the world, intensive efforts are underway to improve the use of artificial intelligence. This involves continuously optimizing the basic hardware components and refining the methods used to develop them. The design flow of these circuits and (sub)systems is particularly crucial, as it is considered the key to realizing groundbreaking applications. This doctoral thesis aims to investigate and develop innovative circuit concepts. Using AI design tools, the CMOS design flow is to be improved while simultaneously being made transparent and verifiable.

What You Will Do

Investigate AI methods for digital circuit design.
Analyze design and layout flows for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) silicon digital circuits.
Design (sub)components of digital circuits.
Focus on the use and development of automated and innovative design tools using AI.
Use access to cutting‑edge, CMOS‑based IC technologies for your research.

What You Bring To The Table

A completed university degree (Master's) in electrical engineering, communications engineering, computer science, or microsystems engineering, or a comparable field.
Knowledge of the functionality of CMOS digital circuits and technologies for implementing CMOS.
Initial experience in the digital field with regard to circuit design of CMOS components (e.g. with VHDL or SystemVerilog).
Ideally, knowledge of digital design processes from RTL to GDSII.
Ideally, experience in using design‑flow tools (e.g. Xcelium, Genus, Innovus) and script languages (especially Python) and AI frameworks (e.g. TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Independent, scientific working style and quick learning abilities.
Good English skills, strong teamwork and communication skills, and a passion for experimental work.

What You Can Expect

State‑of‑the‑art research infrastructure with unique facilities along the entire value chain.
Diverse research areas enable both specialization and interdisciplinary work.
Continuous participation in current research discourse as well as freedom in your own research.
100% remuneration according to TVöD.
Exchange with colleagues within the Fraunhofer Society as well as other scientific institutions and industry.
Personal development opportunities through a variety of training programs and participation in international conferences.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part‑time basis. The position is initially limited to two years. We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications—regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.