"PhD on Mixed-Signal Circuit Design for Physics-based Computing"

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team in the field of mixed-signal IC design, focusing on the implementation of physics-based computing paradigm. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in circuit design and experience with the IC design tapeout flow.

The NanoComputing Research Lab in Integrated Circuits (IC) group within the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a leading research group dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of physics-based computing. We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join our team to work on the design and implementation of Oscillatory Neural Networks (ONNs) for physics-based computing applications. You as the successful candidate will be an integral part of the prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant, THERMODON on harnessing the unique capabilities of ONNs to solve combinatorial optimization problems. ONNs, inspired by the dynamics of coupled oscillators, exhibit inherent properties that enable efficient problem-solving through energy minimization. In this project, we aim to further explore and exploit the potential of ONNs in embedding graph-based problems, particularly those known to be challenging for classical computing architectures.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Design and develop mixed-signal circuits for implementing ONNs.
• Modeling, simulate and benchmark different computing tasks such as combinatorial optimisation tasks and solving partial/ordinary differential equations with ONNs.
• Design and tapeout ONN chips (at least two tapeouts) as proof of concept.
• Explore ONN implementation topology and its power, performance and area.
• Collaborate with team members in NanoComputing Research Lab.
• Communicate clearly, both written and verbal.
• Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in analog and mixed-signal circuit design and simulation.
• Familiarity with IC design tools and tapeout flow and proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., SPICE, Cadence, MATLAB).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

Fixed-term contract: 4 years. 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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €3,059 max. €3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.