Postdoctoral Scholar in RF Neuromorphic Systems, Das Lab

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to develop RF neuromorphic hardware for sensing and signal processing. The role includes RF circuit design, fabrication, and high-frequency testing, with emphasis on integrating emerging devices and adaptive architectures.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, publish in top journals, and contribute to mentoring graduate students.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Strong experience in RF or microwave circuit design, electromagnetic and circuit simulation, device or circuit fabrication, and RF measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with Cadence, ADS, HFSS, COMSOL, or equivalent platforms, as well as experience with vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and probe-station measurements.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement RF circuits, including oscillators, amplifiers, mixers, filters, detectors, and adaptive architectures.
• Participate in device and circuit fabrication, integration, packaging, and high-frequency electrical characterization.
• Contribute to neuromorphic or bio-inspired hardware research and RF system development.
• Lead high-impact research, mentor graduate students, and collaborate with academic and industrial partners.

Skills

RF/microwave IC design

Analog/mixed-signal design

Neuromorphic hardware

Emerging devices

Semiconductor fabrication

RF device modeling

Adaptive RF systems

Education

PhD in electrical engineering or closely related field

Tools

Cadence

ADS

HFSS

COMSOL

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on the development of radio-frequency neuromorphic hardware for next-generation sensing, communication, and signal-processing applications. The project will focus on the design, fabrication, and experimental demonstration of neuromorphic circuits and devices capable of processing RF and analog signals directly in the hardware domain.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of RF circuits, including oscillators, amplifiers, mixers, filters, detectors, and nonlinear or adaptive circuit architectures. The researcher will also participate in device and circuit fabrication, integration, packaging, and high-frequency electrical characterization. Experience connecting emerging electronic devices with RF circuit concepts, analog computing, in-memory computing, or neuromorphic signal processing is particularly desirable.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field. Strong experience in RF or microwave circuit design, electromagnetic and circuit simulation, device or circuit fabrication, and RF measurement techniques is required. Familiarity with tools such as Cadence, ADS, HFSS, COMSOL, or equivalent platforms, as well as experience with vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and probe-station measurements, will be advantageous.

Candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• RF and microwave integrated-circuit design
• Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
• Neuromorphic or bio-inspired hardware
• Emerging electronic devices and heterogeneous integration
• Semiconductor microfabrication and cleanroom processing
• RF device modeling, packaging, and high-frequency characterization
• Adaptive RF systems, edge sensing, or signal classification

The postdoctoral researcher will work in a multidisciplinary environment involving device physicists, circuit designers, materials researchers, and system engineers. The position will provide opportunities to lead high-impact research, mentor graduate students, collaborate with academic and industrial partners, and publish in leading journals and conferences.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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