Ph.D. students in AI-based Neuromorphic NanoRobotics

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for a Ph.D. student in AI-based Neuromorphic NanoRobotics within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano. The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on November 1st, 2025, or on a mutually agreed date. The candidates will be enrolled in the Ph.D. program of the Institute of Neuroinformatics of UZH-ETH Zürich.

Duties and responsibilities

• Research activity in the field of artificial intelligence, i.e., spiking and artificial neural networks, embedded ultra-low-power neuromorphic systems, and nano-robotic platforms.
• Development of frame-based and event-based deep learning models for visual inertial odometry.
• Embedded programming on ultra-low-power ARM-/RISC-V-based microcontroller units.
• Study of the state-of-the-art in the field of geometry-based and deep learning-based visual inertial odometry.
• Implementation of algorithmic optimization for resource-constrained embedded platforms.
• Writing scientific papers and internal reports.
• Presenting work to audiences such as conferences and project partners.
• Teaching assistance in core classes at SUPSI and UZH-ETH Zürich.

Requirements

Essential

• Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Electronics or Computer Science Engineering, Informatics, or other quantitative fields.
• Candidate 1: Strong background in electronic embedded domain with initial knowledge in machine/deep learning.
• Candidate 2: Strong background in machine/deep learning with some experience in electronic embedded domain.
• High motivation and commitment for research and publishing.
• Excellent theoretical background in computer architectures, embedded processing, tiny machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision for robotics.
• Experience with C programming for embedded devices and Python with frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Solid knowledge of visual inertial odometry tasks.
• Familiarity with neuromorphic-based perception.
• Proficiency in English.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work in a team.

Preferred

• Experience in low-level C/assembly optimizations.
• Experience with digital signal analysis and lab equipment.
• Familiarity with parallel programming and robotics platforms.

What SUPSI Offers

• Fixed-term contract with possibility of renewal.
• Enrollment in the Ph.D. program of the Institute of Neuroinformatics of UZH-ETH Zürich.
• Workplace at IDSIA USI-SUPSI in Lugano.
• International working environment.
• Attractive salary in line with Swiss standards.
• Covering costs for conferences and workshops.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted electronically by September 30, 2025, through the dedicated form, including CV, publications list, Master thesis, references, and a motivation letter. For further information, contact Dr. Daniele Palossi (daniele.palossi@supsi.ch) or Prof. Dr. Melika Payvand (melika@ini.uzh.ch).