PhD Position – Hybrid electronic/photonic integrated neuromorphic computing systems for large-scale machine learning

There exists a substantial gap between the computational abilities of modern computers and those of the brain. The new Peter Grünberg Institute – Neuromorphic Compute Nodes (PGI-14) aims to close this gap and develop novel computing capabilities by incorporating some of the remarkable features found in biological brains. We aim to lower the energy consumption of today’s hardware while expanding our understanding of the fundamentals of computation. Practical application areas include AI and Machine learning, intractable NP-hard problems, scientific computing, and signal processing. We utilize novel technologies such as analog memristors combined with modern CMOS elements to build practical circuits and integrated chips for end-to-end demonstrations in the laboratory. The institute has close collaborations with the new Peter Grünberg Institute - Neuromorphic Software Ecosystem (PGI-15), as well as device, materials, circuit researchers and neuroscientists within other institutes at the Forschungszentrum Jülich.

• Vertragsart: Vollzeit

Angebot

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:

• Research & Infrastructure: You will participate in a world-leading international research environment with state-of-the-art equipment
• Team & Environment: Opportunity to work in the highly interdisciplinary and exciting field of neuromorphic and brain-inspired computing, collaborating with physicists, neuroscientists, materials scientists, and engineers
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
• Perspective: The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

Aufgaben

You will participate in an international team in an EU-funded Doctoral Network project called MINDnet. The project consists of 15 Ph.D. students at 7 universities, one research center and two companies. The project has partners from eight different EU countries. All 15 Ph.D. projects are within the overall theme of neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, targeting applications in the fields of communication, sensing, geolocalization, space and biomedical. This Ph.D. project will take place at PGI-14 Research Center Jülich. Apart from the time at PGI-14 there will be secondments of 3 months at HPE Belgium (Brussel), SpiNNcloud Systems GmbH (