Position (Post-doctoral) Researcher
Irène Curie Fellowship No
Department(s) Electrical Engineering
FTE 1,0
Date off 23/08/2023
Reference number V36.6770

Job description

The NanoComputing Research Lab in Integrated Circuits (IC) group within the Department of Electrical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking to hire an outstanding Postdoc candidate within the Horizon Europe project PHASTRAC.

Project

In recent years, we have witnessed an explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) applications which will continue to grow over the next decade. An intelligent and digitized society will be ubiquitous, enabled by increased advances in nanoelectronics. Key drivers will be sensors interfacing with the physical world and taking appropriate action in a timely manner while operating with energy efficiency and flexibility to adapt. The vast majority of sensors receive analog inputs from the real world and generate analog signals to be processed.

However, digitizing these signals not only creates enormous amount of raw data but also require a lot of memory and high-power consumption. As the number of sensor-based IoTs grows, bandwidth limitations make it difficult to send everything back to a cloud rapidly enough for real-time processing and decision-making, especially for delay-sensitive applications such as driverless vehicles, robotics, or industrial manufacturing.

In this context, PHASTRAC proposes to develop a novel analog-to-information neuromorphic computing paradigm based on oscillatory neural networks (ONNs). We propose a first-of-its-kind and novel analog ONN computing architecture to seamlessly interface with sensors and process their analog data without any analog-to-digital conversion. ONNs are biologically inspired neuromorphic computing architecture, where neuron oscillatory behavior will be developed by innovative phase change VO2 material coupled with synapses to be developed by bilayer Mo/HfO2 RRAM devices. PHASTRAC will address key issues:

Novel devices for implementing ONN architecture,
Novel ONN architecture to allow analog sensor data processing, and
Processing the data efficiently to take appropriate action.

The PHASTRAC consortium includes some of Europe’s strongest research groups and industries, covering from device fabrication, circuit and architecture design to end-use applications. We will demonstrate a first-of-its-kind analog-to-information computing paradigm with industrial applications such as intelligent vehicle interior design and human-robotics interactions that opens the road for EU leadership in energy efficient edge computing.

Job requirements

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Post-Doc candidate with expertise in atomistic simulation and TCAD device simulation to join our dynamic research team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of phase change material (PCM) devices and metal oxide-hafnium dioxide (HfO2) memristor devices. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our understanding of these novel technologies through atomistic modeling and device simulation techniques.

Responsibilities:

Conduct atomistic simulations to investigate the structural, electrical, and thermal properties of phase change materials and metal oxide-HfO2 memristor devices.
Develop and implement atomistic simulation methodologies to explore device performance, stability, and reliability.
Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate and guide experimental efforts based on simulation results.
Analyze and interpret simulation data and contribute to scientific publications and project technical reports.
Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and contribute to the advancement of atomistic simulation techniques.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong background in atomistic simulation techniques, such as molecular dynamics (MD), density functional theory (DFT), or Monte Carlo simulations.
Experience in simulating phase change materials or memristor devices is highly desirable.
Experience in device simulation using Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) EDA software is highly desirable.
Proficiency in programming languages used in atomistic simulations (e.g., Python).
Familiarity with simulation software packages, such as LAMMPS, VASP, or QuantumATK.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex simulation results effectively.
Strong publication record in relevant areas of research.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
A full-time employment for one year in a research group with an excellent reputation, with an intermediate evaluation after one year for extension.
Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,557 max. €4,678).
A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact contact Prof. Aida Todri-Sanial, a.todri.sanial[at]tue.nl, https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems/nanocomputing-research-lab.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Mrs. Linda van den Boomen, HR advisor l.j.c.v.d.boomen[at]tue.nl. Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested in working in an exciting, dynamic, high-tech environment, where you will contribute to creating the society of the future, we invite you to submit a complete application by using the ‘apply now’ button on this page.

The application should include:

Cover letter in which you describe your personal motivation and qualifications specifically for the position.
Curriculum vitae.
Transcript of doctoral, master and bachelor degrees.
Copies of your final MSc thesis, including English abstracts, and (if applicable) published papers (PDF files). Submit at least one document written in English of which you are the main author.
Results of your IELTS or TOEFL test (or equivalent).
And the contact information of two academic referees.

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary, please combine files.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.