PhD position in Ionic Neuromorphic Devices and Circuits for next-generation computing

Uppsala University, Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology, Faculty of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas - renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as research and education within Life Science, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international environment with approximately 160 employees who contribute to important technical energy and health solutions at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be at the division at the Division of Solid-State Electronics, the Department of Electrical Engineering.

The Division conducts cutting-edge research in three major focus areas: Electronics for Life Science, Electronics for Biomedicine and Healthcare Technologies, and Electronics for Next-Generation Computing. The technological base for our research is thin-film technology, semiconductor processing and semiconductor device technology using the in-house state-of-art cleanroom facilities, supported by device and process simulation as well as advanced electrical and optical characterisation. The purpose of our research within life science is to develop technological solutions, from devices to small systems, for comprehensive analysis of biomolecules at different levels in an individual, thereby enabling AI assisted predictive diagnosis and preemptive therapy. As to biomedicine and healthcare technologies, we strive for innovations such as near-body-network systems, flexible and wearable self-powered systems including electronic skin and prosthetics, and medical systems for continuous and real-time health monitoring. Finally, for next-generation computing we harness novel materials and electronic device solutions towards a new computing paradigm wherein quantum and neuromorphic electronics play a crucial role. 

Project description
The human brain contains a vast number of neurons and synapses that enable unparalleled signal processing and computing functionalities. Inspired by this, neuromorphic computing (NC) mimics how the brain computes using electronic components. NC has thereby emerged as a promising technology for solving high-complexity puzzles efficiently. Nanopore/nanochannel-based ionic devices (iontronic devices), operating in an electrolyte environment, have recently emerged as competitive candidates for realising NC. They offer unique advantages, including abundant nonlinear mechanisms for mimicking neuromorphic behaviour, high biocompatibility, and low energy consumption.

In this PhD project, we will develop ionic neuromorphic devices and integrate them with traditional electronic device-based neuromorphic units to create small-scale functional modules. These circuits will emulate neural behaviour, aiming for low-power and high-efficiency computation. This project involves both experimental development/measurement and theoretical modelling/investigation. Therefore, it requires the candidate to have a solid background in physics, electronics, and mathematics, as well as strong practical experimental skills.

Duties

• Design and fabricate nanopore/nanochannel ionic neuromorphic devices based on nanofluidics fabricated using standard silicon technology; integrate ionic devices to small scale circuits.
• Design and develop silicon neuromorphic units based on electronic circuits; combine them with ionic neurons to realise functional modules;
• Model and simulate ionic neuromorphic devices, neuromorphic circuits, and systems
• Study the neuronal dynamics in different scales and explore wide application scenarios
• Theorize ion transport in nanoconfinement, spike signal processing, and neuronal dynamics.
• The main duties of a doctoral student are confined to their research studies which include participating in the research project and taking third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).
• The work will be together with the research team . The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering gives a salary supplement to the employed doctoral at the department. 

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• Hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in in electronics, engineering physics, physics or relevant subjects.
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
  - have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• We value your personal qualities including strong motivation and good teamwork ability. 

Additional qualifications
Experience in circuit and system design, FPGA/MCU development, clean-room fabrication, nanopore sensing, or ion transport in nanoconfinements.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala 

For further information about the position, please contact: Assistant Professor Chenyu Wen, telephone +46 762275768, chenyu.wen@angstrom.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by October 31, 2024, UFV-PA 202X/XXXX.

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