Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) in the project High-Bandwidth and High-Sampling Rate Orthogonal Sampling-Based DAC with Low-Bandwidth Electronics (High DAC)

The University of Braunschweig – Institute of Technology, with 16,000 students and 3,800 employees, is the largest technical university in northern Germany. We are dedicated to excellence in research, innovation, and education, fostering a dynamic environment that bridges academia, industry, and society. Our university promotes strategic and forward-thinking approaches, driving advancements in science and technology while ensuring a strong focus on family-friendly policies and equal opportunities. Situated in one of Europe’s leading research hubs, we offer an inspiring setting for groundbreaking discoveries and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The High DAC project, led by the THz-Photonics Group and funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), is dedicated to developing a novel high-bandwidth and high-sampling rate electronic Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) system. This project explores orthogonal sampling as a new method for integrated electronic signal processing to achieve ultra-high-speed arbitrary signal generation. The research will contribute to high-speed communication networks, radar systems, and next-generation measurement technology. To support this groundbreaking project, we are looking for a talented and highly motivated researcher to join our team as:

Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) in the project High-Bandwidth and High-Sampling Rate Orthogonal Sampling-Based DAC with Low-Bandwidth Electronics (High DAC)

The position is temporary (3 years) with a possibility of extension. The possibility to graduate (Dr. Ing. or Dr. rer. nat.) will be given. The location is based in Braunschweig. Compensation will be in accordance with the current German collective pay agreement (TV-L E13), with the exact salary depending on the qualifications and assignment.

Project Overview
The High DAC project aims to develop a 270 GS/s DAC system with a 135 GHz analog bandwidth using low-bandwidth, low-sampling rate electronic components. The objective is to demonstrate a scalable, high-speed signal generation architecture using standard CMOS technology, achieving performance far beyond the current state of the art. The system will be tested in optical communication testbeds to validate its applicability for Tb/s data transmission.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Active participation in research projects and collaborations
• Investigate the possibilities and limitations of orthogonal sampling based on sinc pulse sequences (SPS) through theoretical analysis and simulation.
• Develop and experimentally validate the generation of arbitrary waveforms with 3x, 9x, and 27x the sampling rate and bandwidth of the underlying electronic components
• Development of ultra-high-speed DAC architectures based on orthogonal sampling with sinc pulse sequences (SPS)
• Integration of designed circuits into a System-On-Board for experimental validation
• System-level modeling of signal processing techniques for high-speed DACs, including performance simulations
• Development and integration of a multi-branch DAC architecture, implementing parallel signal processing via FPGA programming
• Testing the developed DAC system in a real-world communication testbed, demonstrating 200 Gbd, 16-QAM Nyquist signals (1.6 Tbit/s, PM) for high-speed optical data transmission.
• Collaboration with project partners in academia and industry, contributing to scientific publications and conference presentations

Your Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Basic knowledge in DAC systems and in high-frequency signal processing
• Knowledge and experience of FPGA programming is preferable, especially for signal processing and DAC control applications
• Good analytical skills in MATLAB, Python for system-level modeling
• Strong self-motivation, sense of responsibility, and capabilities of continuous learning
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment
• Willingness to work in a diverse, international research setting
• Proficiency in English (German skills are a plus)
• Flexibility to conduct research in partner laboratories at different locations when required

We offer

• Work on exciting future-oriented research topics in an inspiring work environment as part of the university community
• A vibrant campus life in an international atmosphere with lots of intercultural offers and international cooperations
• Pay in accordance with the collective agreement TV-L (a special payment at the end of the year as well as a supplementary benefit in the form of a company pension, comparable to a company pension in the private sector) including 30 days' vacation per year
• Flexible working and part-time options and a family-friendly university culture, awarded the "Family-friendly university" audit since 2007
• Special continuing education programs for young scientists, a postdoc program, as well as other offerings from the Central Personnel Development Department and sports activities.

Further notes
We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a proof of disability to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.

The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen . Application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Questions and Answers
For more information, please call Prof. Dr. Thomas Schneider on +49 (0) 531 391-2003.

Deadline for applications is March 28, 2025

Are you interested? Please send your application (with CV) as a single PDF document via email to thomas.schneider@tu-braunschweig.de
or via mail to
Technische Universität Braunschweig
Institut für Hochfrequenztechnik
Schleinitzstr. 22
38106 Braunschweig

vom: 21.02.2025
gültig bis: 28.03.2025