项目介绍

2026年6月24日

Job description

Do you want to contribute to the cutting edge research blending mobile computing, AI, dentistry and sleep sciences? Do you want to help in developing ultra light and ultra small and ultra-capable hardware that can measure different biomedical signals directly from the mouth? Then this project is for you! Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD position in this area as part of large Netherlands-wide scientific consortium sponsored by Dutch Research Council.

About the Position

A key research challenge is to design a multimodal (sensing multiple signals at a time from on-board sensors) battery-powered embedded device that collects and processes the data (using an AI model) from the human mouth and transmit the data wirelessly for further analysis. Think of a smart medical patch but for teeth/mouth. Because the sensing environment that such intra-oral platform operates is unique (and challenging) – moist and extremely constrained in size and shape compared to “classical” on-body sensors – design techniques for intra-oral medical sensors are much more stringent than for on-body sensors. For reference please read the following article https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3699746 which presented an initial idea of such intra-oral sensing platform. The aim of this PhD research project is to progress the domain of intra-oral sensing further, and investigate how such sensor can help in non-invasive sleep studies.

You will work at the intersection of embedded systems, embedded AI, low-power electronics, signal processing and sleep medicine.

Research Environment

You will join the Embedded Systems group at TU Delft within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS). The group conducts cutting-edge research on energy-efficient wireless systems, distributed sensing, and embedded intelligence.

The position is part of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) project SMILE, which aims to develop small embedded platforms that allow to collect many signals (such as jaw position, tounge movements, head position, respiratory rate) directly from the human mouth. You will collaborate with other Dutch universities (Radboud University, TU Eindhoven) and Dutch/international industry partners.

You will work closely with Dr. Przemysław Pawełczak and Prof. Paddy French (from TU Delft Department of Microelectronics) and collaborate with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers within the SMILE project consortium.

Throughout your PhD journey, you will receive comprehensive scientific training as well as professional development support.     

Job requirements 

General requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Excellent academic record
• Analytical and mathematical skills
• Good programming skills in C and Python
• Good command of the English language (written and spoken)
• Well-developed soft skills
• Excellent ethical judgment

Required expertise

We are looking for candidates with a strong background in ALL of the following domains:

• Programming and debugging embedded (ARM) microcontrollers
• Android operating system and Android application development
• Signal processing of signals collected from embedded mobile platforms
• Practical knowledge of PCB design (KiCad)
• Practical knowledge of running AI models on embedded platforms

Applicants that do not demonstate proof of knowledge of one of these domains will not be considered.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. 

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. 

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. 

Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. 

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 – €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Przemysław Pawełczak, via p.pawelczak@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 July 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents as two PDF’s:

• CV, including your educational and research background, professional skills & list of publications
• Motivational letter in which you explicitly state your topic of interest, the research plan, and why you find yourself a suitable candidate for this topic (max. 800 words)
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts

You can address your application to Dr. Przemysław Pawełczak.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.