PhD: Neuromorphic Bioelectronics CMOS Design - SDU

Are you passionate about designing ultra-low-power electronics for neural and wearable systems? Do you want to develop custom CMOS circuits that serve as the foundation for intelligent brain-computer interfaces?

We are offering a PhD position in analog/mixed-signal CMOS circuit design for EEG and wearable sensor interfaces, as part of a pioneering project focused on assistive neurotechnology.

Project Overview

This PhD project is embedded in a multidisciplinary initiative that aims to develop a wearable neuromorphic system for brain-signal interpretation and sensor-based feedback. The broader goal is to support assistive devices through real-time analysis of brain activity and physical interaction signals using energy-efficient hardware.

As a PhD candidate, your primary focus will be on designing the analog front-end (AFE) for EEG signal acquisition and developing CMOS interface circuits for various wearable sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature, motion). A key responsibility will be to develop circuits that convert analog neural signals into digital or event-based outputs (e.g., spike-compatible signals) suitable for a neuromorphic backend.

Note: This position does not involve designing the Spiking Neural Network (SNN) itself. However, close collaboration with another PhD student working on the SNN hardware design is expected to ensure seamless signal interfacing and system integration.

Key research themes include:

• Design of low-noise, low-power analog front-end for EEG electrodes
• Spike/event encoding of neural signals for neuromorphic processors
• CMOS interface design for glove-embedded sensors (pressure, temperature, etc.)
• Signal conditioning and digitization for heterogeneous sensor inputs
• System-level validation and interfacing with SNN-based hardware

What You Will Do

• Design, simulate, and verify CMOS analog/mixed-signal circuits (Cadence, Spectre, etc.)
• Optimize circuits for power, noise, and area constraints
• Prototype and validate circuits with EEG signals and wearable sensors
• Collaborate with the SNN PhD researcher to deliver suitable input formats
• Publish your findings in international journals and conferences

We Are Looking For

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, or a closely related field
• Strong background in analog and mixed-signal CMOS circuit design
• Familiarity with biomedical signal acquisition (especially EEG) is highly valued
• Experience with standard IC design tools (Cadence, SPICE)
• Enthusiastic about interdisciplinary collaboration and system-level thinking

What We Offer

• A 3-year PhD position (with salary and benefits per Danish standards)
• Access to advanced IC design tools, labs, and prototyping facilities
• A vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with links to neuroscience, hardware design, and wearable technologies
• Close supervision and mentoring by experts in analog and neuromorphic electronics
• Opportunities for international collaboration, travel, and research dissemination

Join us in creating the next generation of intelligent, low-power electronics for neural and wearable sensing.

Help bridge the gap between bio-signals and neuromorphic computing—starting from the source!

For questions or informal inquiries, contact Hooman Farkhani (njonesbradleyrichardfarkhanitonibriggs@sdu.dkpayne-mcintyre.dktaylor.dk) and Farshad Moradi (moradisarahbrownbuckleyrichardrodney78@sdu.dkosborne.dkroach.dk)

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-supportgmccoyjonesdenniskyledaniels@nelson.dkward-harris.dkgreen.dksdu.dk.

Application procedure

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

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (copy of original/official English translation).
• 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).
• 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.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application shall be uploaded as ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae shall be uploaded as ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents shall be uploaded as ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files of max 50 MB per file).

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration no.) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked and allow binding and may not be password protected.

The application deadline is September 15, 2025,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 36.138 DKK. If you have relevant postgraduate experience, you may be placed on a higher salary step.

The start date will be agreed with the successful candidate.

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 with the associated circular on the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for PhD fellows as described herein 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. The person employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial evaluation, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

The University of Southern Denmark wishes our 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, are subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position.

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.