PhD scholarship in open-source EDA tools development - DTU Compute

Open-source development has changed the software world by providing free compilers and operating systems. A similar shift is currently happening with the electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Open-source tools, such as OpenROAD and LibreLane allow the tapeout of chips using open-source tools only. The overarching goal of ODE4EC-PIV is to enhance Europe's competitiveness in global chip design by boosting productivity through open-source EDA tools and their interoperability, addressing key areas such as efficient verification and bespoke design processes, and promoting innovation through open, standardised, and sovereign EDA solutions.

Your project will involve developing open-source tools for generating hardware and developing a functional verification framework.

Responsibilities and qualifications

* Conduct research on EDA tooling
* Designing hardware generators
* Development of a verification method, such as functional verification in Scala/Java.
* Integrating the development into the Chips JU project ODE4EV-PIV
* Co-supervise students.
* Optionally contribute to teaching.

Required qualifications:

* Hardware design in a hardware description language such as Chisel, VDHL, or Verilog. Knowing Chisel is a bonus.
* Knowledge of the chip design and verification process
* Basic programming skills in Java/Scala

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

At DTU Compute, we have a large focus on creating a good working environment. Our work with diversity and inclusion is an essential part of that. We believe that having a good working environment is a necessary foundation to provide excellent research, teaching, supervision and innovation.

At DTU Compute, we have about 140 PhD students. We offer several events and activities for all our PhD students such as annual PhD Bazaar, onboarding course where you will meet other PhD students, and you can join our PhD Club that organizes BBQs, board games events, lunches etc.

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1. December 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Martin Schoeberl, masca@dtu.dk, http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~masca/

You can read more about DTU Compute at www.compute.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• If available, include a link to an open-source project you contributed to in your CV.
• List of publications, if applicable

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Compute – Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science – is an internationally recognised academic environment with over 400 employees and 10 research sections. We broadly cover digital technologies within mathematics, data science, computer science, and computer engineering, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet of things (IoT), chip design, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, social networks, fairness, and data ethics. Our research is rooted in basic research and centres on mathematical models of the physical and virtual world, as a basis for the analysis, design, and implementation of complex systems. We focus on ensuring that our research results contribute to creating a better society by supporting areas such as health, green transition, energy supply, and life science. We collaborate with universities, public and private organisations, and companies in Denmark and abroad, and through DTU’s startup ecosystem, we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. We have a strong ethical, human, and sustainable approach that ensures integrity in our work. Therefore, we strive for and take responsibility for driving the democratisation of digital technologies, so that everyone has the opportunity to actively participate in the development, and we ensure a continued open, democratic, and inclusive society for the benefit of all. At DTU Compute, we value diversity, inclusion, and a flexible work-life balance.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.