Job description
This position is part of the European EIC Pathfinder Open project Neuromorphic Quantum-Inspired Optimisation and Simulation (NEQIOS) together with companies IBM and Enlightra and universities Oxford, Heidelberg and Radboud. NEQIOS aims to create a new class of brain-inspired (or “neuromorphic”) computing platforms capable of efficiently tackling some of the most challenging computational problems in science and industry, underpinning applications ranging from materials discovery and quantum chemistry to logistics, energy systems, and AI-driven optimization. These problems are widely regarded as the natural domain of quantum computers, yet they remain extremely demanding for both classical digital computers and current quantum technologies, motivating the need for a powerful and practical alternative.
In 2020 we introduced the concept of reconfigurable nonlinear processing units: RNPUs, Nature 577, 341-345, 2020. In this PhD project you will work on applying RNPU networks for solving computational problems that are considered hard.
Your profile
- You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic student;
- You have an MSc degree in the field of (semiconductor) physics, electrical engineering or simila,r with an affection for machine learning;
- You are an independent and original thinker with a creative mindset;
- You are a fast thinker with excellent analytical and communication skills;
- You have good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment;
- You are experienced with Python and Pytorch;
- You are fluent in English.
Our offer
- As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment.
- The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
- Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year);
- There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- The flexibility to work (partially) from home.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
- You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School, where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
- We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 31, 2026, and include:
- CV
- Publication list
- Short motivation letter
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Wilfred G. van der Wiel (W.G.vanderWiel@utwente.nl).
Screening is part of the selection process.
About the department
You will be working in the NanoElectronics Group of Prof. Van der Wiel. The NanoElectronics Group (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nanoelectronics, comprising the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nanoregime. It is our mission to excel in the field of nanoelectronics through the development of novel (concepts for) electronic devices and systems with nanoscale dimensions for application in future generations of electronics and information storage. In particular, we focus on neuromorphic electronics, quantum (spin) electronics, 2D electronic systems and acousto-electronics. The NanoElectronics Group is a founding member of BRAINS, the Center for Brain-Inspired Computing at the University of Twente
About the organisation
The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
