Jean-Paul Linnartz

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on advancing optical wireless communication (OWC) technologies to support future 6G communication networks. The project aims to innovate OWC links using highly directional, steerable laser beams to provide secure, high-density, high-data-rate wireless access with low latency. Key research challenges include optimizing energy efficiency, developing new features such as positioning, tracking mobile devices, and sensing, and building dependable models to improve power consumption, coverage, and density in 6G networks. The work will contribute to making OWC technology mature for integration into next-generation mobile networks, addressing the exponential growth in wireless communication demands driven by AI applications and the Internet of Things. The successful candidate will join the Signal Process Systems (SPS) group in the Department of Electrical Engineering, which has a strong track record in signal processing for digital communication, medical applications, and intelligent lighting systems. The group is recognized for its close cooperation with industrial partners and research institutes, as well as international awards. The position is part of the prestigious Future Network Services (FNS) flagship project, involving collaboration with a unique alliance of 60 leading telecom, ICT, semiconductor, and photonics companies and research institutions in the Netherlands. The role offers full-time employment for four years, with a competitive salary and benefits, including pension, parental leave, commuting and internet allowances, and support for international candidates. Applicants must have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, strong background in communications and/or signal processing, research-oriented attitude, ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, motivation to develop teaching skills, and fluency in English (C1 level). The application process is online, requiring a cover letter, CV, and references. The position remains open until filled, with a formal deadline of December 5, 2025.

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology in the field of photonic and electronic integration for wireless optical communication . This project addresses the growing need for high-capacity, energy-efficient indoor connectivity beyond traditional RF wireless systems, with a focus on next-generation optical wireless communication (OWC) for indoor environments such as airport halls, convention centers, logistics centers, and other dense spaces. The research goal is to innovate detector design for indoor OWC systems by developing integrated photonics-electronics components that are suitable for mass-market client devices, with an eye toward miniaturization and cost reduction. The work centers on integrating photo detectors with the analog front-end , achieving a scalable architecture with a wide aperture, wide bandwidth, and no mechanically movable components, while still capturing signals from multiple directions, including distributed MIMO and angular diversity . Key technical topics include scaling detector arrays, bandwidth trade-offs, interconnect considerations, and electronic design issues such as buffers and transimpedance amplifiers (TIA) . The project also explicitly considers heterogeneous integration , combining a PD array in a III-V technology such as InP with a Buffer-TIA array in high-speed silicon technology such as SiGe BiCMOS . You may have the opportunity to design, fabricate, and measure electronic ICs in silicon or III-V semiconductor technologies as part of a demonstrator validating detector requirements for OWC applications. The position is embedded in the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e, an internationally oriented, industry-connected department working in areas including telecommunication and electrical signal processing. The university highlights its strong ties to Brainport Eindhoven’s high-tech ecosystem, modern research infrastructure, and a collaborative research culture. Applicants are encouraged to relate their background in analog IC integration, CMOS/Bipolar design, photonic system modeling, communication systems theory, and circuit synthesis/simulation tools to the project. The team notes that candidates do not need to have expertise in all these areas already, but should show potential to grow in this multidisciplinary research environment. Eligibility and requirements: a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, research-oriented mindset, independence, teamwork, interest in industrial collaboration, willingness to contribute to teaching, and fluent English at C1 level. Funding and conditions: full-time PhD employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is according to Dutch university scale P, with additional holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension scheme, training opportunities, and other employment benefits. Application deadline: 2026-09-05. Applications are reviewed as soon as possible and the vacancy remains open until filled, though complete applications are prioritized.