Job description

Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) bi-directionally link the physical environment of the world, via transducers, to the digital computational world which is often networked. Examples of these systems can be found in e.g. in future automotive and space applications. The goal of the project is the development of a hardware/software framework for dependable networked CPS with minimum maintenance and maximum lifetime. A CPS FPGA implementation for car collision avoidance to increase safety is planned.

The PhD student’s research activities will include:

• Linking circuit fault models and dependability metrics to behavioural models and metrics for mixed-signal & digital functional blocks (IPs)
• Bidirectional transfer of the above data to reasoning engines in close cooperation with industrial partners. Development of APIs for control, calculations, and decision-making
• Design and verification of health monitors for mixed-signal and digital IPs (data converters, processor cores). Development of mixed-signal and digital IP isolation and reconfiguration techniques at System-on-Chip level based on Networks-on-Chip.
• Design and implementation of a CPS FPGA demonstrator including the previous monitors and techniques. Close cooperation with the analog/mixed-signal PhD for this project.

We are looking for a creative and inventive researcher who has a proven affinity with research; international experience is a pre.

The IMMORTAL project, Integrated Modelling, Fault Management, Verification and Reliable Design Environment for Cyber-Physical Systems, is a new European Horizon 2020 ICT project on smart Cyber-Physical Systems.   Our partners are well-known European industries and top universities in the area of highly dependable integrated systems.

Requirements

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or hardware-oriented Computer Science (both microelectronics) with excellent experimental and theoretical skills. Knowledge and/or experience of mixed-signal/ digital CMOS chip and system design is essential. You are able to work independently as well as in a project team, and you have good communicative skills. Fluency in English speech and writing is a basic requirement.

Application To apply for the position you should follow the link at the bottom of this vacancy description. Your application should consist of:

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivations to apply for this position;
• a full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained;
• a short description (maximum 1 page A4) of your MSc research;
• contact details of at least two referees who worked closely with you;
• a document proving fluency in English, if it is not your native language;
• a fully completed application form, which can be downloaded from the UT vacancy site.

Applications should be submitted before Sunday February 22nd, 2015.

More information For more information about the position you can contact Dr.ir. H.G. Kerkhoff (h.g.kerkhoff<στο>utwente.nl) or Prof.dr.ir G.J. M Smit (g.j.m.smit<στο>utwente.nl).

Working Conditions

We offer a very challenging position in an inspiring environment. You will have an employment contract for the duration of four years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers. The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.083,– in the first year and increases to € 2.664,– in the fourth year of your employment. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training program is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. The research has to result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period. The University of Twente offers attractive employment conditions such as a moving costs allowance. Your main responsibility will be to carry out research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience. We offer our PhD students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.