The conventional, manual co-design of algorithms and hardware is slow and inefficient. Our group develops methods and tools to automate the co-design process. The core of this project is the development of meta-optimization techniques that can automatically search for the best algorithm-hardware pair for a given problem.
While we have a history of success in optimizing digital neuromorphic hardware, this project will push into next-generation analog circuits and memristive devices, in collaboration with PGI-14. The goal is to train a system that leverages the intrinsic non-linear dynamics of these devices to perform complex learning tasks with extreme energy efficiency.

Your Job:

• Develop and apply meta-optimization that can automatically search for the best algorithm-hardware pair
  
• Tackle the challenge of computationally expensive meta-optimization procedures by developing and using dedicated tools and processors
  
• Contribute to our sparse auto-differentiation libraries to accelerate the training of state-space models
  
• Collaborate closely with our internal partners at PGI-14 (Neuromorphic Hardware Nodes) and international academic and industry partners
  
• Publish research articles and regular participation in top international conferences to present your work
  
• Participate in yearly retreats organized by the doctoral network participants
  
• Support the dissemination of software tools and concepts
  
• Supervise student projects and BSc/MSc theses

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical/electronic engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field
  
• Strong background in machine learning, particularly deep learning and optimization methods
  
• Excellent coding skills, particularly in Python and machine learning frameworks (PyTorch or Jax)
  
• The ability for creative and analytical thinking across discipline boundaries and abstraction levels
  
• Knowledge in integrated circuit design, testing and simulation using Cadence is a plus
  
• Knowledge of evolutionary optimization methods is a plus
  
• 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 support you in your work with:

• TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities with state-of-the-art experimental equipment for your work in an international research environment and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher. You will cooperate with 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.
  
• ENROLLMENT: The student will be enrolled in the PhD program of the department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, RWTH Aachen
  
• LEAVE: You will receive 30 days of leave plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year`s Day)
  
• KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional growth is important to us – we support you specifically and individually, for example through training opportunities and the structured JuDocS program for doctoral candidates: https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
  
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
  
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Pay 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 ("Christmasbonus"). All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed (pay scale table on page 66 of the PDF download)
  
• PERSPECTIVE: The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment. Let`s use this time to find out how well we fit together
  

Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality