PhD Position – Neuromorphic Architectures

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 – Neuromorphic Architectures   Your Job:

There are current openings for PhD students to develop scalable and flexible neuromorphic architectures targeting problems in AI / machine learning, optimization, associative computing, and probabilistic computing. Your tasks within this project include:

• Co-design: work closely with algorithms and applications researchers to design flexible neuromorphic architectures tailored to mitigate computing and communication bottlenecks
• Leveraging mixed analog-digital circuit blocks, in-memory computing principles, and emerging non-volatile analog technologies to reduce energy and compute time and increase compute density
• Delevelopment of prototypes of neuromorphic architectures (simulations, FPGA, etc.)
• Work with Integrated Circuit (IC) designers for chip realizations and laboratory demonstrators
• Performing benchmarking comparisons to the state of the art

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in electrical / electronic engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field
• Coursework and experience in computer architecture is desired, including microarchitecture and ISA development, data flow, and system design
• Experience with SPICE simulation and circuit design tools for the analysis of analog, digital, or mixed-signal circuits
• Experience with artificial neural networks, machine learning, combinatorial optimization, probabilistic computing, and/or associative computing
• Coursework or studies in algorithmic concepts, computational complexity theory, and information theory will be helpful
• Previous experience with analog, non-volatile memories or other emerging device technologies is a plus
• 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)
• 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
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

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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