Frequently Asked Questions, VLSI Research Group

A few questions with standard answers come up regularly in email. Here are some of these. The list is likely to be amended as appropriate.

Can I join your group as a summer intern?

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering does not offer internships at this time. Please see the department vacancies page.

Can I join your research group to pursue a Ph.D.?

We open new Ph.D. student positions when our funding situation allows us to. Open positions are posted on the department vacancies page.

Currently there are no open positions.

What are the necessary qualifications for a Ph.D. student position in your group?

Please see the requirement summaries in English.

The main formal requirement is a master's degree in a related field. In practice, successful applicants will typically have a MScEE or MScCE with above-average grades and a strong interest in electronic system design, especially circuit and microarchitecture design.

For foreign applicants, there is also an English language requirement, formalized as a TOEFL score of at least 550. (The TOEFL requirement may be waived, for example for applicants whose native language is English!)

How do I apply for a Ph.D. student position?

Look for the posting at the web page as above and follow the instructions given there. Please note the following important points:

• The application must be sent to the Registrar at Chalmers (applications submitted to the research group staff are not considered). The address is given in the advertisement on the web.
• The application must be marked with the reference number of the positions applied for. The reference number is also given on the advertisment and on the web. This is very important, since the application may otherwise be internally misrouted.

You should include copies of all documents you wish to cite. That includes a current CV and grade transcripts from previous studies. Letters of recommendation from a professor or someone in a similar position are highly recommended.

Does Chalmers offer scholarships for foreign graduate students?

No. Ph.D. student positions are usually salaried positions. The starting salary is currently SEK23273 per month; it is raised in certain steps as the student progresses towards a degree. Even after taxation, the salary should provide for all normal living expenses.

In addition to course work and research, the duties of a Ph.D. student include serving as teaching assistants in courses given by the department.