Postdoctoral Researcher in Embedded Hardware, FPGA, Edge AI and Smart Sensors

D-ITET PBL is a research and teaching group at ETH Zurich working on embedded systems, Edge AI, TinyML, smart sensing, FPGA-based systems, autonomous robots, and drones. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong hands-on hardware and FPGA background, who is interested in contributing substantially to both research and teaching.

The ideal candidate should enjoy developing complete embedded systems, from sensor and processor selection to PCB design, FPGA/MCU implementation, firmware development, hardware debugging, and deployment of signal-processing and machine-learning algorithms.

A significant part of the position will also involve teaching and student supervision, particularly in the areas of embedded systems, FPGA design, electronics, and machine learning on microcontrollers.

Candidates should have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

A strong practical embedded hardware background is essential
, including experience in several of the following areas:

• FPGA design and implementation
  , including HDL development and hardware/software co-design
• Design and development of complete embedded hardware/software systems
• PCB schematic design, layout, board bring-up, debugging, and validation
• Integration of sensors, microcontrollers, FPGAs, SoCs, and embedded processors
• Embedded programming in C/C++
• Real-time signal processing and embedded perception, hardware-aware AI
• Interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet, MIPI, or similar
• Use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, and hardware debugging tools
• Deployment and optimization of machine-learning models on resource-constrained hardware

Candidates should also have experience or strong interest in Edge AI, TinyML, embedded machine learning, neuromorphic computing, or signal processing
.

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of a prototype from concept to a complete working hardware/software system
, rather than focusing exclusively on simulation or algorithm development.

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching is an important component of the position.

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• Teaching embedded systems
• Teaching and supporting FPGA-based design
• Teaching machine learning on microcontrollers and embedded processors
• Development of hands-on laboratory exercises and demonstrators
• Supervision of Bachelor and Master projects
• Co-supervision of PhD students
• Support of large project-based learning activities

We are particularly interested in candidates who genuinely enjoy working with students and who see teaching, mentoring, and hands-on prototyping as an integral part of the position
.

Project Management and Fundraising Responsibilities

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the strategic development of the group through:

• Supporing the preparation of European and national research proposals
• Contribution to Horizon Europe, MSCA, SNSF, Innosuisse, ESA, and other competitive funding applications
• Identification of new funding opportunities and preparation of technical work plans
• Coordination and management of European research projects and work packages
• Interaction with international academic and industrial partners
• Preparation of project deliverables, reports, milestones, and reviews
• Support in budget, resource, and task planning together with the PI and administrative staff
• Organization of technical meetings and coordination across project partners
• Contribution to the definition of new research directions and collaborative projects

Experience in European project preparation or management is highly desirable
, especially for candidates interested in taking a more senior and independent role within the group.

Additional Responsibilities

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