Doctoral student in thermal packaging for RF and mmWave systems

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Aktiebolag; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 362,808 - 434,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic working environment

Employee benefits for doctoral students

Swedish language courses for non-native speakers

Job summary

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Aktiebolag in Gothenburg is seeking a PhD student to research thermal design and advanced semiconductor technologies for high-performance RF and mmWave systems. This fully funded position focuses on system-level engineering challenges and requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, enjoys multidisciplinary work, and possesses strong analytical skills. The role involves conducting innovative research and participating in teaching, fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Strong interest in semiconductor devices and modeling.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in thermal design and packaging solutions.
• Take advanced level courses and develop scientific concepts.
• Participate in teaching at the undergraduate level.

Skills

Interest in electronics, semiconductor devices

Heat transfer and thermal management

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills in English

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

ANSYS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Are you excited about shaping the next generation of wireless communication and sensing technologies? As a PhD student at Chalmers, you will conduct cutting‑edge research in thermal design, advanced semiconductor technologies, and innovative packaging solutions for high‑performance RF and mmWave systems.

About us

At the Microwave Electronics Laboratory, we focus on application‑driven research on high‑speed electronic components, circuits, and systems for future communication and remote sensing applications. Our research spans frequencies from below 1 GHz to 500 GHz. The main research areas are wireless high‑speed digital communication, sensors such as radar systems and radiometers, and microwave heating. We demonstrate innovative microwave components and circuits in our own fabrication lab, the Nanofabrication Laboratory at MC2, or at external cooperation partners/foundries, and characterize them in our measurement laboratory.

About the research project

Future wireless communication, radar, and sensing systems require electronics that deliver higher power, greater energy efficiency, and increased integration. This project focuses on developing advanced thermal packaging solutions for GaN‑based RF and mmWave electronics, where heat management is critical for performance and reliability. The research combines thermal characterization, modeling, microwave design, and additive manufacturing to create innovative packaging concepts that integrate both thermal and electromagnetic functions in compact, high‑performance systems.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a self‑driven and highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in solving system‑level engineering challenges. The ideal candidate enjoys working across disciplinary boundaries at the intersection of electronics, physics, thermal engineering, and advanced materials, and is eager to contribute to the development of next‑generation wireless communication and sensing systems.

Requirements

• Hold a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field; for applicants with education earned outside Sweden, a four‑year Bachelor’s degree may be considered equivalent.
• Strong interest in electronics, semiconductor devices, heat transfer, thermal management, and/or computational modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to understand and address complex engineering challenges.
• Ability and motivation to work both experimentally and theoretically, combining simulations, measurements, and data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Personal qualities are of great importance for this position. We are looking for a curious and ambitious candidate who enjoys learning new skills and tackling multidisciplinary research challenges. You should be able to work independently, take initiative, and contribute effectively to collaborative projects involving colleagues, industrial partners, and international research teams. A structured approach to research, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate scientific findings into practical engineering solutions are highly valued.

Preferred experience

• Experience with thermal modeling and simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, CFD software, or equivalent.
• Experience in RF, microwave, or mmWave engineering.
• Experience with measurement techniques, laboratory work, and experimental characterization of electronic devices or systems.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments.
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices, electronic packaging, reliability analysis, or heat transfer.
• Experience with additive manufacturing, advanced materials, or multiphysics simulations.
• Previous research experience through thesis work, publications, industrial R&D projects, or other advanced engineering projects.

What you will do

• Take advanced level courses within the Graduate School of Microtechnology and Nanoscience.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.
• Participate in teaching at the undergraduate level or perform other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours.

Contract terms

• The doctoral student position is fully funded from the start.
• A fixed‑term appointment for four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20 percent, which extends the position up to five years.
• Starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period; a valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date, otherwise admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• All employee benefits as a doctoral student at Chalmers.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Support for gender balance and diversity, including participation in the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
• Swedish language courses available for non‑native speakers.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.