Postdoc Tx/Rx Isolation Measurements of FMCW radar using a reverberation chamber (TRIM)

Introduction

FMCW radar is key in automotive safety and increasingly important for security applications. For reliable performance it requires sufficient TX‑RX isolation. This project develops techniques for accurately measuring such isolation using a reverberation chamber, leveraging on the expertise on this area available at Antennex, a Dutch SME, and at TU/e.

Job Description

Continuous wave radar with frequency modulation (FMCW radar) has gained traction in automotive safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance, and it is now a core sensor in self-driving cars. One of the key conditions for the proper functioning of an FMCW radar is guaranteeing sufficient isolation between the transmitting and receiving antenna. An accurate assessment of such isolation is thus of paramount importance in the radar design.

Reverberation chambers are a well-established testing approach both in the field of electromagnetic compatibility as well as for measuring integral radiation quantities of stand-alone antennas (antenna efficiency) and wireless devices (Total Radiated Power, Total Isotropic Sensitivity).

In addition to that, research on antenna radiation pattern measurements in reverberation chambers has started to draw attention. Most methods are based on the property that the line-of-sight component is constantly present in each of the measurements performed on the AUT, and that unwanted scattered components can be averaged out by randomizing the electromagnetic environment in a controllable manner.

Instead, measuring isolation between two arrays, or coupling between measurements inside an array is a completely unexplored area, which will require additional fundamental research.

Your objective in this research project is thus to develop a methodology for accurate and reliable measurement of coupling between antennas in reverberation chambers.

In this project you will cooperate with Robin Radar, a manufacturer of FMCW radar and potential end-user of the results, and with Antennex, a Dutch SME that develops reverberation chambers. Antennex has made fundamental extensions to measurement capabilities in reverberation chambers, for instance, noise figure, FMCW chirp quality and radiation pattern measurements. Enabling isolation measurements would offer a new use case for reverberation chambers, which might be more cost effective compared to the existing anechoic chamber approach.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in Electrical Engineering research, or a comparable domain.
• Experience in the area of radio propagation and antennas, and specifically in antenna measurement techniques is an asset.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact: Stefania Monni, Professor of Array Antenna Technologies for future radar systems, [email protected]. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact: Kevin Caris, HR-Advisor, Human Resources, [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.