PhD scholarship in open-source EDA tools development - DTU Compute

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 450,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Compute at DTU in Lyngby, Denmark seeks a PhD student to contribute to open-source EDA tooling and hardware generation research within the ODE4EC-PIV project. You will design hardware generators and verify methods, collaborating with researchers and supervising students.

The position is a three-year PhD stipend under DTU's general PhD programme, with starting date 1 December 2026 or by agreement, and the opportunity to participate in teaching and project activities in an international

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience with hardware description languages (Chisel, VHDL, Verilog).
• Basic programming in Java/Scala.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on EDA tooling and open-source hardware generation.
• Design hardware generators for research projects.
• Develop verification methods, e.g., functional verification in Scala/Java.
• Integrate developments into the Chips JU project ODE4EV-PIV.
• Co-supervise PhD students and potentially contribute to teaching.

Skills

Chisel

VHDL

Verilog

Java/Scala

Education

Two-year MSc in CS/CE/EE or equivalent

Job description

Open-source development has changed the software world by providing free compilers and operating systems. A similar shift is currently happening with the electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Open-source tools, such as OpenROAD and LibreLane allow the tapeout of chips using open-source tools only. The overarching goal of ODE4EC-PIV is to enhance Europe's competitiveness in global chip design by boosting productivity through open-source EDA tools and their interoperability, addressing key areas such as efficient verification and bespoke design processes, and promoting innovation through open, standardised, and sovereign EDA solutions.

Your project will involve developing open-source tools for generating hardware and developing a functional verification framework.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Conduct research on EDA tooling
• Designing hardware generators
• Development of a verification method, such as functional verification in Scala/Java.
• Integrating the development into the Chips JU project ODE4EV-PIV
• Co-supervise students.
• Optionally contribute to teaching.

Required qualifications

• Hardware design in a hardware description language such as Chisel, VDHL, or Verilog. Knowing Chisel is a bonus.
• Knowledge of the chip design and verification process
• Basic programming skills in Java/Scala

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

At DTU Compute, we have a large focus on creating a good working environment. Our work with diversity and inclusion is an essential part of that. We believe that having a good working environment is a necessary foundation to provide excellent research, teaching, supervision and innovation.

At DTU Compute, we have about 140 PhD students. We offer several events and activities for all our PhD students such as annual PhD Bazaar, onboarding course where you will meet other PhD students, and you can join our PhD Club that organizes BBQs, board games events, lunches etc.

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1. December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Martin Schoeberl, [e-mail], http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~masca/

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup "Zoom" seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

Location

Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Application deadline

2026-09-18T21:59:00+00:00