Temporary contract | up to 24 months | Belvaux

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Discover our Materials and IT activities:

https://www.list.lu/en/materials/

https://www.list.lu/en/informatics/

How will you contribute?

Interested to contribute to a breakthrough in communication technologies?

Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and IEE S.A. will join forces to develop a new kind of phased array antenna based on transparent electronics for 5G/V2X vehicle communications. This position is mainly located at LIST premises in Belvaux (Luxembourg), with a part of time spent at IEE S.A. (Bissen, Luxembourg), a global manufacturer & supplier of advanced sensing solutions for the automotive industry, developing printed electronics, radar and 3D camera technologies among others.

Context

The objective of the project is to demonstrate the capability of 5G communication in the V2X context by means of transparent phased array antennas and to address the network dead zones issue in smart cities. Technical progress on 5G for vehicle communications is encouraged to bring benefits for road safety and traffic management, leading to fewer road accidents and faster journeys. The electronically controlled beam steering capability of this innovative transparent antenna system will allow optimized radiation patterns, by real time modulation of the direction of transmission, to increase the efficiency of data transmission towards the closest 5G base station. Beam-steering is the key enabling technology for antennas allowing 5G to reach its potential by overcoming the restrictions of mmWave propagation including directivity and losses. Different phased array antennas should be designed and fabricated for the operation in the n77, n78 and n257 bands in transmission mode to send data from a sensor in a vehicle. Transparent electronics materials processing developed in LIST pave the way for new transparent RF transmitters that can also be used to disguise the antennas of base stations which can then become part of glass windows of buildings or vehicles. This is an encouraging approach to achieve performant and dense 5G networks unnoticeably integrated into elegant urban architecture.

Mission

The objective of this postdoc project is to develop two kinds of phased array antennas for sub-6GHz and mmWave regimes based on transparent materials and lithography patterning.

In this work, you will:

• design and process the antennas by lithography patterning in cleanroom
• investigate by Finite Element Modelling the different configurations of the antennas and coupling with the vehicle environment
• establish the performances by RF characterization (VNA)
• integrate the antenna into a prototype containing automotive sensors for infield testing of communication performances

This project constitutes a unique training opportunity that will boost your research career in either academy or industry !

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, RF and Microwaves Engineering or Microelectronics

Experience and skills

• Mandatory: Solid experience with antennas design, modelling and fabrication by cleanroom processing (lithography, wet and dry etching)
• Considered as a plus: experience in RF characterization, electronics board design and RF devices prototyping for infield testing
• Excellent written and oral communication skills e.g., in publications, reports, and/or presentations
• Collaborative skills, initiative, result oriented, organisation, and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Team spirit is a critical requirement
• Ability to effectively and reliably coordinate with the supervisor and multiple collaborators
• Ability to lead a work plan with an industrial partner

Language skills

• English (proficient)

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of technological achievements (devices, prototypes)
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

Please note that by applying you consent to share your application with Dr. Andreas Olk (Scientist) from IEE S.A.