PhD Position – Mixed Analog-Digital VLSI Circuit Design for Neuromorphic Systems

Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungs­zentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,100 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centres and help us to shape change!

There exists a substantial gap between the computational abilities of modern computers and those of the brain. The new Peter Grünberg Institute – Neuromorphic Compute Nodes (PGI-14) – aims to close this gap and develop novel computing capabilities by incorporating some of the remarkable features found in biological brains. We aim to lower the energy consumption of today’s hardware while expanding our understanding of the fundamentals of computation. Practical application areas include AI and machine learning, intractable NP-hard problems, scientific computing, and signal processing. We utilize novel technologies such as analog memristors combined with modern CMOS elements to build practical circuits and integrated chips for end-to-end demonstrations in the laboratory. The institute has close collaborations with the new Peter Grünberg Institute – Neuromorphic Software Ecosystem (PGI-15) – as well as device, materials, circuit researchers and neuroscientists within other institutes at the Forschungszentrum Jülich.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Mixed Analog-Digital VLSI Circuit Design for Neuromorphic Systems Your Job:

There are current openings for PhD students to work on digital and analog circuit designs for neuromorphic systems targeting applications in machine learning, signal processing, associative and probabilistic computing. Your tasks within this project:

• Development and design of novel neuromorphic circuits, integrating analog and digital blocks, and emerging device technologies such as memristors
• Collaboration with systems architects, algorithm researchers, physicists, and materials scientists
• Implementation of designs at modern CMOS nodes (32 nm and below) using Cadence development tools
• Simulation, verification, and IC testing

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in electrical / electronic engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related field
• Experience with integrated CMOS circuit design and custom circuits
• Experience in the analysis and simulation of analog, digital, and/or mixed-signal circuits, including SPICE and related simulation tools
• Experience with digital circuit description languages (VHDL, Verilog)
• It is advantageous to have coursework or experience with artificial neural networks, machine learning, combinatorial optimization problems, computational complexity theory, and/or information theory
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team are essential
• Strong English skills will be required for the international working environment

Our Offer:

We work on cutting-edge research topics with a high potential to positively impact society. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A world-leading, international research environment with state-of-the-art equipment
• Opportunity to work in the highly interdisciplinary and exciting field of neuromorphic and brain-inspired computing, collaborating with physicists, neuroscientists, materials scientists, and engineers
• Flexible working arrangements
• 30 days of annual leave as well as an arrangement for bridging days (e.g. between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors

The position is initially for a fixed term of three years with possible long-term prospects. Pay will be in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available here.

Place of employment: Aachen

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the vacancy?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

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