PhD Position Analog In-Memory Brain-Inspired Edge Processors for Edge AI

Are you curious about the future of brain-inspired AI hardware? Then Join the CE group of TU Delft for a PhD.

Job description
Deploying AI on resource-constrained platforms such as wearable and implantable devices requires the development of new energy-efficient computing engines, which make use of both new computing paradigms and new device technologies. The Computer Engineering (CE) section of the Quantum & Computer Engineering (QCE) department is looking for a highly-motivated PhD candidate who wants to work on design activities of Analog in-memory brain-inspired AI accelerators. While being an integral part of a team working on energy-efficient computing, the candidate will work on the following:

• Design and develop Computation-In-Memory (CIM)-based architectures using memristive devices.
• Implement, evaluate and refine the architectures.
• Demonstrate the potential of the architectures through tape-outs.     

Requirements
For this position, an ideal candidate should have:

• Completed a relevant MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or any other related field relevant to the PhD research;
• Good understanding of analog or digital circuit design;
• Basic understanding of AI and its hardware implementations is a plus;
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students;
• The ability to work in a team and take initiatives.   

This position is a part of new European MSCA Doctoral Network TIRAMISU “Training and Innovation in Reliable and Efficient Chip Design for Edge AI” (2024-2028) https://tiramisu-project.eu/. The action will provide strong interdisciplinary training for future European engineers and researchers driving the innovation for reliable and energy-efficient Edge AI chips.  

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. said Hamdioui, s.hamdioui@tudelft.nl or Dr. Rajendra Bishnoi, r.k.bishnoi@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than December 15, 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof.dr. S. Hamdioui.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
  (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines)
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.