Research Fellow in Analogue Mixed-Signal Design for Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs)

Job Description

Established in 2004, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Ireland is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems, specialising in both electronics and photonics across the themes of materials, devices, circuits, and systems. With a research infrastructure of more than ???250 million, Tyndall hosts over 600 researchers, engineers, students and support staff. It has a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide.
Tyndall performs breakthrough research in photonics, electronics, micro/nano technology and smart systems to deliver innovative solutions spanning from atoms to systems in application sectors of Communications, Energy, Health and MedTech, Agri-tech and the Environment.

The Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) is an Enterprise Ireland (EI) / IDA Technology Centre hosted at Tyndall National Institute. MCCI collaborates with 26 industry members to deliver cutting-edge research in integrated circuits.

In MCCI's Power Group, our dynamic and collaborative research agenda focuses on advancing Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) to meet the demanding requirements of AI-driven High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, next-generation Wireless Communications (5G & 6G), and automotive applications. We also target ultra-low-power PMIC solutions for biomedical sensors, medical devices, smart agriculture and Industry 4.0. Our research aims to deliver high-efficiency, high-integration, and scalable PMIC architectures that enable reliable and energy-efficient power delivery for these rapidly evolving technologies.

The demand for integrated voltage regulators (iVRs) and point-of-load (PoL) PMICs continues to accelerate, driven by the scaling of AI data centres, wireless communication networks, and automotive systems. iVRs are now targeting switching frequencies above 100 MHz, while PoL converters are moving into the tens of MHz range. To achieve these performance levels, novel loop-control techniques and advanced architectures are required, including multi-level, multi-phase, inductor-based, and resonant switched-capacitor hybrid topologies, combined with 3D-IC vertical powering schemes.

One of the ultimate goals is to realize 48V direct-to-chip, highly efficient, fully integrated PMICs with extreme current densities. These innovations will deliver significant improvements in energy efficiency, integration, and performance, enabling the power delivery solutions required for data centres, AI accelerators, and beyond.

At MCCI, researchers benefit from state-of-the-art IC design tools and hardware, manufacturing foundry access, test and measurement infrastructure and a strong ecosystem of academic and industrial collaboration. We are committed to recruiting and nurturing top IC design talent, with many of our researchers progressing into leading roles across the global semiconductor industry.
Please look at www.mcci.ie for more information.

About the Role

Tyndall and MCCI are involved in the European Chips JU FAMES Pilot line co-funded by the European Commission and Irish national funding agencies as part of the targeted initiative of the EU Chips Act. The implementation of the Chips JU pilot lines is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to a wide range of users, including academia, industry and research institutions.
The FAMES Pilot Line is the result of a remarkable European cross-border collaboration. The FAMES Pilot Line consortium, led by CEA-Leti, is composed of 4 Hosting Sites (CEA-Leti, Tyndall, VTT and SAL) and includes various other RTOs across Europe.

With the goal of transferring technologies to the EU semiconductor industry, the FAMES Pilot Line will develop advanced technologies offering two generations of FD-SOI at 10nm and 7nm nodes, addressing the surging demand for FD-SOI technology. This FD-SOI platform will be enhanced with integrated non-volatile memory, radio frequency components, 3D options, and Power Management Ics (PMICs) with integrated magnetics and capacitors. In FAMES, Tyndall will deliver state-of-the-art high frequency (10 to 100MHz) PMICs and integrated magnetic devices and demonstrate improved power management combining its PMICs, on-silicon thin film magnetics and micro-transfer printing with CEA-Leti's power management ICs and high-density silicon capacitors.

MCCI is opening up a Research Fellow position in the area of Analogue Mixed-Signal Design for Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs): This will encompass a number of application areas including:

• Switched voltage regulator power path design
• Voltage and Current sensing circuits
• Switched-capacitor (SC) multilevel converter architectures
• Hybrid voltage regulators
• Feedback control loops.
• Analog-to-Digital Converters for PMICs

This role will ideally suit an established Researcher or Industry-based IC Designer with experience in research & development in Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) and Mixed Signal CMOS Circuits. The role is based in the MCCI Office at Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Ireland. The ideal candidate will be a key contributor in the development of our Point-of-Load (PoL) Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) research platform. The candidate will have a proven ability of working independently and within technical teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Report to the MCCI Principal Investigator (PI) for Integrated Power.
• Act as key contributor in the development of state-of-the-art power management ICs (PMICs), covering system-level simulation, algorithm design, schematic/layout and silicon validation, in collaboration with MCCI industry and research partners.
• Carry out innovative research in Analogue Mixed-Signal IC Design, with a focus on taking advantage of deep-submicron CMOS and FD-SOI technologies to reduce power losses, improve efficiency and improve voltage regulation in PMIC platforms.
• Develop and maintain existing research partnerships, while also building new relationships. Participate and manage research proposals to attract national, international and industry funding.
• Perform modelling and analysis on the limitations of existing PMIC solutions.
• Support research projects led by the Group Head, designing PMIC architectures and circuits in analogue/digital control loops, precision voltage/current sensing, data converters (A/D, D/A) and PMIC interfaces, i.e.: SPI, I2C, LVDS, SerDes.
• Engage in the dissemination of the research results, as directed by and with the support of senior MCCI research staff, in key international journals, conferences and workshops. This also extends participation in education and public engagement activities to promote science and engineering technologies, to schools and the public.
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities to develop personal transferable skills, career and reputation.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and the required Health and Safety standards in Tyndall. Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in electrical/electronics engineering, science or related discipline and typically 6 years postdoctoral experience in Analogue Circuit Design applied to Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs).
• Significant industry or research experience, typically 6 years, in analogue IC design in building blocks for Power Management Integrated Circuits, such as micro-to-multi-ampere power path design (linear and switched type), amplifier design, analogue mid/low-voltage (48V-0.6V) sensing or data converters (A/D, D/A) sensing, reference generators, clocking generation (PLL, DLL) with low Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), mixed signal analogue circuit calibration techniques.
• Strong knowledge of CMOS, FD-SOI IC CAD design tools and circuits, including voltage references, parameter-optimized amplifiers (e.g.: low noise, high power supply rejection) for voltage/current sensing, data converters (A/D, D/A), voltage converters and/or regulators.
• A strong publication and / or patent record in the field of analogue integrated circuit design for PMICs.
• Demonstrated ability to work alone and to work in technical teams and lead a chip design project.
• Experience of bringing analogue IC design projects all the way through the design flow through final chip tape-out to wafer fabrication and to laboratory test measurement validation stage. Good record in delivering IP developments in Analogue Mixed-Signal IC Design for PMICs.
• The successful candidate will be highly innovative and analytical with a strong desire to create world-beating PMIC research for real-life Industry applications.

Desirable Criteria

• Track record of performing at a high level, demonstrating strong initiative, taking ownership of projects, and working independently while collaborating effectively with external academic and/or industrial partners.
• Track record of engaging in multi-party collaborative projects.
• Experience of leadership and supervision of other staff and / or post-graduate students.
• Experience in presenting technical work at international conferences and workshops.
• Ambition to develop a career in advanced research.

What We Offer

We offer progressive employment and training policies including opportunities for further studies. At Tyndall we value Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence and Integrity. You will be supported throughout to grow your skill-set and learn how to adapt in new challenges to develop your career.

As a Research Fellow you will avail of:

• Individual Development Plans - Staff work with their managers to create detailed career "roadmaps" that take into account their interests and career aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute
• Learning & Development Opportunities - Staff can take advantage of learning and development opportunities, including leadership and management development skills, project management, industry and job-specific learning, and including general business, finance and technology skills
• Opportunities for mentoring and day-to-day technical supervision of postgraduate (PhD, Masters) and undergraduate students as well as post-doctoral researchers.
• Opportunities for Outreach and Public Engagement activities.
• Support for preparation of competitive research proposals.

As an equal opportunity employer, we offer a comprehensive suite of flexible working and family friendly initiatives. A list of such initiatives is available on our webpage.
Tyndall has an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all researchers regardless of gender or ethnicity. We are actively improving our internal processes to build on the Athena Swan award and have a vibrant People and Culture team driving initiatives.
Tyndall has an active EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) group which delivers initiatives to enhance EDI within the Institute.

Conditions of Employment

Appointment may be made on the UCC Research Fellow scale ???66,548- ???72,514p.a.
Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy and years of experience. Multiple appointments may be made.

The duration of the contract is a for a fixed term of approximately 24 months with the possibility to extension based on the availability of funding at the time and satisfactory performance.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Hugo Cruz