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 looking to recruit a

PhD Position - Neuromorphic systems for solving hard optimization problems

Your Job:

There are current openings for PhD students to develop neuromorphic systems (Spiking-based and Non-Spiking-based) applied to exciting problems in combinatorial optimization. Your tasks within this project:

• Explore physics-based compute models (Hopfield networks, Boltzmann and Ising machines, etc) with the potential to give improved performance for non-convex optimization problems
  
• Develop event-driven, asynchronous neuromorphic system concepts to reduce energy and communication costs
  
• Work with Integrated Circuit (IC) designers for circuit and hardware realizations and laboratory demonstrators
  
• Identify and address practical problems relevant to industry and perform benchmarking comparisons to state-of-the-art

Your Profile:

• Masters degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or related fields
  
• Coursework in algorithms, computational complexity theory, and information theory
  
• Relevant coursework and experience in combinatorial optimization, systems and control theory, machine learning, spiking neural networks, and statistics
  
• A strong electronics background, including experience in the analysis and simulation of analog, digital, or mixed-signal circuits, including SPICE and related tools
  
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team are essential
  
• Strong English skills will be required for the international working environment

Our Offer:

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
  

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years, with possible long-term prospects. Pay 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: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

Place of employment: Aachen

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.
We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our
Online-Recruitment-System!