PhD Position – Hybrid electronic / photonic integrated neuromorphic computing systems for large-scale machine learning Full-time

Doctoral Network Project In Neuromorphic Computing And Analog Signal Processing

You will participate in an international team in an EU-funded Doctoral Network project called MINDnet. The project consists of 15 PhD students at 7 universities, one research center and two companies. The project has partners from eight different EU countries. All 15 PhD projects are within the overall theme of neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, targeting applications in the fields of communication, sensing, geolocalization, space and biomedical. This PhD project will take place at PGI-14 Research Center Jülich. Apart from the time at PGI-14 there will be secondments of 3 months at HPE Belgium (Brussel), Spincloud Systems GmbH (Dresden), and Technical University Ilmenau. There will also be regular meetings with the other 14 PhD students in the doctoral network, including 4 training schools and two workshops. As a participant of the project, you will become part of the group 'Adaptive In Memory Computing Group' at PGI-14.

Background MINDnet The exponential surge in artificial intelligence (AI), internet traffic, and online services demands a revolutionary leap in devices, computing architecture, and integration technologies. As digital computing struggles to keep up with the growing demand, in MINDnet will investigate neuromorphic computing as a promising solution to support such a demand by getting inspired by the brain's powerful and energy-efficient processing capabilities. MINDnet aims at addressing the challenge through a holistic optimization – from individual computing devices to the overall architecture, including a focus on applications, and training methods – across multiple technological platforms – photonics, electronics, biological neurons.

Responsibilities and tasks This PhD project aims to optimize the design of hybrid electrical–optical computing architectures:

• Investigate and design optimal computing and communication architectures for hardware acceleration of large-scale machine learning workloads
• Perform characterization and modeling of electronic and optical devices
• Develop hardware-aware machine learning models incorporating electronic and optical device constraints
• Design and implement hardware-efficient training methodologies for machine learning systems
• Conduct comparative benchmarking and performance analysis against state-of-the-art studies
• Perform numerical modeling and validation of brain-inspired and neuromorphic algorithms
• Design, set up, and operate experimental systems for circuit-level measurements and data analysis

Your Profile:

• Masters degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or related fields
• Experience with emerging memory devices
• A strong electronics background, including experience in the analysis and simulation of analog, digital, or mixed-signal circuits, including SPICE and related tools (LTspice, Cadence, MATLAB, Python)
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team are essential
• Strong English skills will be required for the international working environment

Further obligations You are expected to travel to network partners on three assignments, each typically lasting 2–3 months. Additionally, you are expected to participate in outreach activities including, but not limited to, YouTube videos, social media updates, participation in public events and campaigns, as well as dissemination to popular press. Furthermore, due to the mobility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, you must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before your recruitment date.

Our Offer:

• ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will participate in a world-leading, international research environment with state-of-the-art equipment
• RESEARCH & TEAM: Opportunity to work in the highly interdisciplinary and exciting field of neuromorphic and brain-inspired computing, collaborating with physicists, neuroscientists, materials scientists, and engineers
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• VACATION: 30 days of annual leave as well as an arrangement for bridging days (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's Day)
• KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month's salary
• PERSPECTIVE: The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.