PhD Position in CMOS Circuit Design for Spintronics

The Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a PhD position in CMOS circuit design for spintronic-based computing. The position offers an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge research project focusing on the co-design of CMOS and spintronic devices for next-generation energy-efficient and non-von-Neumann computing architectures.  

The project explores hybrid CMOS–spintronic computing systems, leveraging emerging spin-based devices such as magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) to enable ultra-low-power, non-volatile, and scalable computing platforms. The research aims to develop CMOS interface circuits and system architectures that tightly integrate with spintronic devices for applications including in-memory computing, neuromorphic computing, and hardware acceleration for AI workloads.  

Key responsibilities include:  

• Define specifications and requirements for CMOS–spintronic interfaces in collaboration with project partners.  
• Design analog and mixed-signal CMOS circuits for driving, sensing, and reading spintronic devices.  
• Participate in the full IC design flow from architecture to schematic, layout, and verification.   

The start date will be June 2026 or earlier.

What we offer 

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Microelectronics, a growing section integrating expertise in analog/digital IC design, spintronics, neuromorphic computing, and energy-efficient system architectures.  
• Access to advanced facilities for design, characterization, and system prototyping.  
• Excellent opportunities for collaboration across SDU and with national and international academic and industrial partners in microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies.  
• Strong support for professional development through the Lecturer Training Programme and mentoring.  
• An open and collaborative research culture within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering (TEK), promoting interdisciplinary innovation across electronics, materials science, and artificial intelligence.  

What we expect 

• Applicants should hold a Master of Science degree (or equivalent) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering with experience in CMOS IC design. The ideal candidate has:  
• Strong background in analog and/or mixed-signal CMOS circuit design.  
• Hands-on experience with Cadence analog and mixed-signal design tools.  
• Experience in layout design and physical verification (DRC/LVS) using tools such as Calibre.  
• Interest or experience in emerging devices, spintronics, or non-volatile memory technologies.  
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.  
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills  
• Team player with strong collaboration skills   

Workplace description 

The successful candidate will join SDU Microelectronics, a dynamic and expanding section at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). The section conducts internationally recognized research in integrated circuits, spintronics, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, and plays a central role in SDU’s ambition to be a national and European hub for semiconductor and chip innovation.  

Further information 

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Farshad Moradi (moradi@sdu.dk / email), Head of the SDU Microelectronics section and Associate Professor Hooman Farkhani (farkhani@sdu.dk / email), Deputy Head of SDU Microelectronics. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Motivated application. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 
• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). 
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• References may be included, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Conditions of enrollment/employment

Appointment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position, and the monthly gross salary incl. pension is 36.608 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment is contingent on enrollment approved by the PhD School. Enrollment will be in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described therein as well as the Protocol on PhD fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). Further information about salary and conditions of employment. Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.