Scientific Assistant in Analog/Digital Integrated Circuits (ICs) for System Integration and Testing

ETH Zurich seeks a Scientific Assistant for analog/digital IC system integration and testing within the IDEAS Group. This fixed-term role focuses on circuit design, validation, and automated testing in a collaborative research setting.

The position is embedded within the IDEAS Group, a team dedicated to creating system-level integrated circuits for advanced communication and sensing applications. The work supports European digital sovereignty and is backed by funding from EU, ESA, and Swiss initiatives, aiming to push the boundaries of next-generation technology.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize analog, digital, and mixed-signal support circuits for system-level ICs.
• Assist in the top-level assembly of ICs, performing layout verification (LVS), design rule checks (DRC), and density analysis.
• Create test printed-circuit boards, configure measurement setups, and facilitate automated testing for complex chips.
• Manage and analyze system-level IC test campaigns to ensure performance meets requirements under diverse conditions.
• Investigate and document any anomalies discovered during testing.
• Draft formal test reports for internal reviews and project milestones.
• Build and maintain automated test frameworks to enhance repeatability, traceability, and overall testing efficiency.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Microelectronics, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience in designing analog, digital, and mixed-signal IC circuits.
• Knowledge of IC design tools and tapeout processes, including digital circuit synthesis.
• Background in printed-circuit board (PCB) design.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced research environments.
• Excellent proficiency in English for communication.

Nice to have

• Previous experience with tapeout processes.
• Hands-on experience testing ICs using Keysight and R&S equipment.

What the company offers

• A one-year contract at the IDEAS Lab with a workload of 80-100%.
• Potential for contract renewal based on performance and funding availability.
• A collaborative, stimulating environment within a world-leading multidisciplinary electronics research team.
• Direct, hands-on involvement in complex system-level IC design, development, integration, and testing.
• Mentorship and learning opportunities from experienced researchers and technical experts.

About the company

ETH Zurich stands as one of the world’s premier universities, specializing in science and technology. It fosters an environment that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence. The IDEAS team specifically operates as a collaborative and interdisciplinary research unit.

• Part of a world-leading multidisciplinary electronics research team.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Promotes independent thinking and excellence.
• Opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and technical experts.