PhD position on Embedded Neuromorphic Processor Architecture with On-Device Adaptation

Interpreting complex sensory data patterns in real-time with minimum power consumption is important for the survival of any living creature. The brain is responsible for performing this computation and has evolved over millions of years to be efficient in power consumption and processing speed. A honey bee's brain uses a few milliwatts of power, yet it can perform a wide range of complex tasks such as navigation, communication, learning, and memory in real- time. Today, the most advanced commercial processor technology for this task consumes several orders of magnitude higher energy than the honey bee's brain. Neuromorphic devices are seen as the way forward towards more effective and more efficient machine learning. However, current on-device learning in embedded AI processors (including bio-inspired neuromorphic systems1-2-3) are a luxury feature that consumes a significant amount of power without considering power reduction. However, as humans, we know that, with practice, we can perform tasks better and faster with less effort. Our goal is to design methods and tools that leverage continuous learning to reduce power consumption and latency by algorithm-hardware co-optimization. As a candidate for this interdisciplinary Ph.D. position, you will be at the forefront of a transformative exploration into embedded AI. Your

work will focus on developing open-source algorithms and hardware designs that embody the principles of neuromorphic engineering, pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. We invite innovative thinkers who are passionate about combining the efficiency of biological systems with cutting-edge technology to apply. 1- Tang, Guangzhi, et al. "SENECA: Building a fully digital neuromorphic processor, design trade-offs and challenges." Frontiers in Neuroscience 17: 1187252. 2- Davies, Mike, et al. "Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning." Ieee Micro 38.1 (2018): 82-99. 3- Rostami, Amirhossein, et al. "E-prop on SpiNNaker 2: Exploring online learning in spiking RNNs on neuromorphic hardware." Frontiers in Neuroscience 16 (2022): 1018006.

Your profile

MSc degree in electrical/computer engineering or associated field;

Knowledge of computer architecture;

Basic knowledge of digital hardware design; practical experience is a plus;

Basic knowledge of standard deep learning algorithms is a plus;

English proficiency in speaking and writing;

Our offer

As a PhD candidate 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 € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (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; ·

The flexibility to work (partially) from home;

A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours;

A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours aweek, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;

Free access to sports facilities on campus;

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 April 1st , and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), to introduce yourself, emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including your GPAs, your rank among other classmates in the university (if available), name of at least two references, and, if applicable, a list of publications. Additionally, please annex your English transcript (a list of all courses attended, and grades obtained).

An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Amirreza Yousefzadeh ([email protected])

About the department

The PhD student will join CAES, a group working on the most efficient and effective computer architectures of the future, from large-scale data-centre servers to low-power/small-scale embedded systems. The group's research sits at the border between EE and CS, aiming to bridge any gaps between these two sides of computing systems.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Yousefzadeh, A. (Amirreza)

Assistant Professor

Yousefzadeh, A. (Amirreza)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Amirreza for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534897988

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Yousefzadeh, A. (Amirreza)

Personal page

Varbanescu, A.L. (Ana-Lucia)

Personal page

Alachiotis, N. (Nikolaos)

Personal page

Our mission Human Touch

At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

Our mission We are sustainable

We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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