PhD Position – Co-Design of Neuromorphic Algorithms and Circuits

Your Job:

There are multiple openings for new PhD students interested in the co-design of neuromorphic circuits and systems with novel algorithms in different fields of applications e.g. solving hard optimization problems, associative computing, or computing with dynamical systems. As such, the projects blend both hardware and software work across a diverse team, while targeting relevant computing applications to build more energy-efficient technologies.
Depending on the project area and your scientific skills, tasks will include:

• Invent, simulate, and prototype more efficient, specialized non-von Neumann computing hardware blocks for AI, optimization, probabilistic computing, and scientific computing.
  
• Machine learning, deep learning and algorithm development, co-designing with mixed analog-digital circuit blocks
  
• Associative computing from both a circuits and algorithms perspective, developing Content-Addressable-Memories (CAM) combined with artificial neural networks
  
• Integrated Circuit (IC) design (CMOS 28nm and below), simulation, and testing using Cadence development tools
  
• Utilizing dynamical systems for computation, e.g. solving hard optimization problems
  
• System verification

Your Profile:

Depending on the topics you want to address you should cover some of the skills listed below. Additionally, enjoyment of teamwork is an important requirement.

• Masters degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer science, computer engineering, physics, and related fields.
  
• For IC projects a strong electronics background, with experience in design and simulation of analog, digital, or mixed-signal circuits, including SPICE and related tools is strongly desired.
  
• For algorithms projects, a strong background in coding and advanced mathematics is strongly desired.
  
• Coursework in theoretical areas including computational complexity, information theory are desired.
  
• 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: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
Further information on the institute can be found here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/pgi/pgi-14

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. 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 ("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.