PhD position on Material learning with dopant network processing units

 

This position is part of the Horizon Europe Pathfinder project HYBRAIN (www.hybrain.eu). HYBRAIN’s vision is to realize a radically new technology for ultra-fast and energy-efficient edge AI inference based on a world-first, unique, brain-inspired hybrid architecture of integrated photonics and unconventional electronics with collocated memory and processing. As the most stringent latency bottleneck in CNNs arise from the initial convolution layers, we will take advantage of the ultrahigh throughput and low latency of photonic convolutional processors (PCPs). Their output is processed using cascaded analog electronic linear and novel nonlinear classifier layers.

In 2020 we introduced the concept of dopant network processing units (DNPUs, [Nature **577**, 341-345 (2020))](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1901-0). In this PhD project you will work on the fabrication and characterization of a new generation of dopant network processing units (DNPUs), that can be operated at room temperature and that will be integrated with photonic and analog electronic hardware.

YOUR PROFILE

You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher;

You have a MSc degree in the field of (applied) physics, electrical engineering or similar 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 student 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 € 2.443,- (first year) to € 3.122,- (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;

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 May 1st, and include:

A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in this research area.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae, including any publications if applicable, academic awards and your working experience.

An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Wilfred G. van der Wiel via info@hybrain.eu

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly encourage women to apply.

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