PhD Position – Neuromorphic Hardware for Event-Based Computing at the Edge

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!

The Peter Grünberg Institute – Neuromorphic Software Eco Systems (PGI-15) led by Prof. Dr. Emre Neftci – explores neuromorphic computing technologies that learn and work like the brain. Our research team designs computing algorithms and architectures from the perspective of neuroscience and physical realizations in dedicated circuits and devices. Applications of our research are targeted to improve computing in many areas, including computer vision, autonomous control, data processing in mobile and wearable devices, and (neuro-)scientific data analysis.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Neuromorphic Hardware for Event-Based Computing at the Edge Your Job:

• Design of neuromorphic FPGA or integrated circuit hardware solutions to computer vision problems at the edge
• Application with neuromorphic sensors in the domain of vision-based urban scene understanding and smart cities
• Exploring neuromorphic event-based computer vision algorithms and their hardware implementation for accelerating the targeted workloads
• Quantitative comparisons with different hardware backend; design of conventional (GPU-based) deep neural networks for comparison
• Support in the dissemination of software tools and concepts
• Supervision of student projects and BSc / MSc theses
• Writing of research articles and regular participation in international conferences to present your work

Your Profile: This position is ideal for a hardware engineer (e.g. circuit design, computer architecture) interested to become an expert in brain-inspired algorithms and artificial intelligence.

• Master’s degree in physics, computer science, mathematics, electrical / electronic engineering, or a related field
• Solid knowledge in FPGAs (Verilog / VHDL)
• Familiarity or strong interest in programming neural networks, machine learning and machine learning software frameworks
• Knowledge in integrated circuit design, testing, and simulation using Cadence is a plus
• Knowledge of digital neuromorphic hardware (e.g. Intel Loihi, Spinnaker, SynSense) and neuromorphic vision sensors is a plus
• Ability for collaborative work, interdisciplinary and cross-topical thinking
• Very good communication skills in English, both spoken and written; PGI-15 offers an English speaking environment, therefore German language skills are not required

Our Offer: We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A world-leading, interdisciplinary, and international research environment, provided with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher
• An interdisciplinary and collaborative work environment, including researchers at the following institutes: Neuromorphic Hardware Nodes (PGI-14), Electronics Materials (PGI-7), the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine – Computational and Systems Neuroscience (INM-6), the Jülich Supercomputer Center (JSC), and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at RWTH Aachen
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• 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: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is 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 at https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.

Place of employment: Aachen

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.

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

www.fz-juelich.de

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