Doctoral Researcher in integrated circuit design for time-resolving CMOS single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays

We are looking for an applicant for

Three-year doctoral researcher position in integrated circuit design for time-resolving CMOS single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays

to join us in the Circuit and Systems (CAS) Research unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu.

CAS has been engaged in integrated circuit (IC) design—including analog, digital, and mixed-signal—since the late 1980s. Over the years, it has designed hundreds of ICs for various applications across several groups within CAS. One group's primary focus has been the development of pulsed time-of-flight techniques and integrated circuits for precise photon detection. The group has concentrated on developing time-resolving CMOS SPAD arrays for time-gated Raman spectroscopy and time-domain diffuse optics in the past decade.

The group consists of four doctoral researchers and six senior/postdoctoral researchers.

About the job

As a doctoral researcher, you will be part of the research group in the field of time-resolving CMOS SPAD array integrated circuit design. You will participate in an IC design research project in which an integrated circuit for time-gated Raman spectroscopy will be designed using CMOS technology with SPADs as a library component. You will be designing circuit blocks, e.g., Time-to-Digital Converters (TDC), Delay-Locked Loops (DLL), digital readout and control logic, and the whole time-resolving CMOS SPAD array, including the I/O pad ring.

You will also measure the functionality of the designed and fabricated IC, including characterization of the timing performance of the IC and Raman spectroscopy tests with the Raman setup available at the CAS research unit. For the measurement, the FPGA circuit/microcontroller unit design will also be part of your task to operate the designed IC fully. As a doctoral researcher, you will publish the results in scientific conferences and journals. In addition, 30 credit points of studies are required. Finally, you will write your doctoral thesis and have a public defense within three years.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic community where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Development and career options of the big organization. Wellness benefit ePassi covers sports, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research , a quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu

Who are you?

You are expected to have the ability to pursue research, work productively in a team of various backgrounds, and potentially supervise undergraduate students.

Specifically, you must have:

• Master’s degree in the field of electronics design (analog integrated circuit design and digital electronics) (completed at the time of application).
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Excellent skills in Cadence design system (simulations, layout, post-layout simulation)
• Experience in designing analog and digital design blocks, and Matlab, FPGA/micro controller programming
• The knowledge of single-photon counting, optics and optoelectronics is considered an advantage for the applicant
• Achieved a good grade in their degree (3/5, or at least 60% of the maximum grade, in both coursework and master's thesis)
• You must also meet all the requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in the UniOGS webpages. The study rights must be received within the 6-month trial period.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 1.10.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You will be employed at the University of Oulu. The salary will be based on levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for Finnish universities' university-level teaching and research staff. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately €2600 – 2900 per month, depending on the qualifications. A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 10.9.2025 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and lingual, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof. Ilkka Nissinen, Circuits and Systems research unit, ilkka.nissinen@oulu.fi