ETH Zürich
Scientific Assistant in Antenna Array Design and Testing
Zurich · ZH
- Ausbildung
- Master
- Sprachkenntnisse
- Englisch
- Lohn
- Geschätzt CHF 60’000–90’000 pro Jahr (100 %)
- Schätzung von jopp, nicht aus dem Inserat.
- Veröffentlicht am
- 18. September 2026
- Zuletzt gesehen
- 18. September 2026
The Integrated Devices, Electronics, and Systems (IDEAS) Group is a world leading research group on next-generation wireless technologies for applications, such as 6G, satellite communication (SATCOM), and electromagnetic sensing. Our research is funded by multiple EU, ESA, and Swiss programs and projects, and contributes directly to European digital sovereignty
Antennas are indispensable components of all wireless systems, as they serve as the transducers between circuits and wave propagation and convert signals between the electronic and electromagnetic domains. Moreover, most advanced wireless systems rely on array-based operations, such as phased arrays or MIMO arrays, where thousands of antennas need to work in synchrony with hundreds of integrated circuit (IC) chips, facing many more design challenges than single-element antennas. Testing these high-performance antennas and antenna arrays also requires knowledge on automated test setup and high-end electronic measurement facilities
We are seeking a research assistant to join our IDEAS team and contribute to the design, implementation, and testing of various high-performance antennas and antenna arrays. The anticipated start date is Monday, 17 August 2026
Next-generation wireless communication and sensing systems heavily depend on the co-designs and cooperations between electronics and antenna arrays. These highly sophisticated systems exhibit challenges not only during the antenna array designs but also in their operations and performance, such as array system calibration, beam management, and null steering
The IDEAS Group has multiple on-going wireless projects on 6G, satellite communication (SATCOM), and electromagnetic sensing/imaging applications. We also have several developed and experimentally verified antenna and antenna array solutions for these systems. While these existing technologies serve as the baseline know-how, new antenna designs are needed to address new challenges
This position is intended for a candidate who can design, implement, and refine high-performance antennas and antenna arrays for the integration into cutting-edge wireless systems. The work will support real-world applications and help advance next-generation communication, computation, and sensing systems. The successful candidate will develop antenna and antenna array PCB boards, package wireless IC chips with antenna boards, set up antenna measurement environments, and perform automated antenna array testing
Job description
Design, implement, and refine antenna and antenna array designs in commercial PCB technologies
Design, implement, and refine antenna array PCB boards to realize operational systems in cooperation with wireless ICs. PCB traces for RF signal feeding/combining/dividing, DC supply/biasing/ground lines, and digital programming should be included in the designs
Develop test control PCBs for antenna array PCBs
Set up measurement environments and support automated testing of antenna arrays with wireless ICs
Lead the execution and analysis of antenna and antenna array test campaigns to validate performance under various operating conditions
Document and investigate test anomalies
Prepare formal test reports for internal reviews and project deliverables
Develop and maintain automated test frameworks to improve repeatability, traceability, and testing efficiency
Profile
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Microelectronics, or a related field
Prior experience in applied electromagnetics and antenna designs
Prior experience in printed-circuit board (PCB) design
Experience in microwave engineering and advanced electromagnetics is a plus
Electronics testing experience using Keysight and R&S equipment is a plus
Experience working in fast-paced research environments
Highly organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently
Motivated to contribute to a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, with a strong commitment to technical excellence
High professional integrity, maturity, and a constructive working style
Excellent communication skills in English, the IDEAS team's working language
A 1-year contract at the IDEAS Lab at an 80-100% workload; renewal is possible depending on performance and funding availability
A stimulating, collaborative environment in a world-leading multidisciplinary electronics research team at ETH Zurich
The opportunity to support ongoing research projects in next-generation communication and sensing technologies for the digital revolution
Hands-on experience in advanced antenna and array design, development, integration, and testing
Membership in a motivated, supportive, and collaborative team
The opportunity to learn from experienced researchers and technical experts while contributing to high-impact research projects and European digital sovereignty
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
climate-neutral future
Cover letter outlining your motivation and experience
Concise CV
Diploma and certificates
A list of names and contact information for three to five references
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow