Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
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.
We are offering a
PhD Position - Co-Design of Neuromorphic Algorithms and Circuits 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:
Inventing, simulating, and prototyping 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
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.
Master’s 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 and information theory are desired
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team are essential
Strong English skills will be required for the international working environment
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 in 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 years. Pay is 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, romantic orientation / personal 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.
We look forward to receiving your application by June 6, 2024, via the "Apply now"-Button.
www.fz-juelich.de