PhD Studentships in Computer Architecture, Semiconductor Design and Compilers (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years.

The Cascade Centre https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/cascade/ at the University of Cambridge has five PhD studentships available to start in October 2026. We're looking for strong computer science candidates with interests in any of the areas of computer architecture, compilers, design verification and AI / machine learning.

Launched in 2024, the Computer Architecture and Semiconductor Design Centre https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/cascade/ at the University of Cambridge performs research into some of the grand challenges in computer architecture, design automation and semiconductors. We have expertise across the breadth of the area, encompassing the design and optimisation of general-purpose microprocessors, specialised accelerators, on-chip interconnect and memory systems, along with verification, compilation and networking.

PhD students in CASCADE work on significant research challenges https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/cascade/challenges/ during their studies. We're currently accepting applications within two research themes with broad challenges for each.

The Computer Architecture Group https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/research/comparch consists of PostDocs and PhD students investigating performance, security, reliability and efficiency in future systems. We're a broad group encompassing traditional microarchitecture, compiler toolchains, machine-learning systems and quantum computer architecture, developing solutions within compilers, computer architectures and all associated tools. The group sits within the Department of Computer Science and Technology https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/ a vibrant and internationally leading environment. Collaboration with researchers at other universities and industry around the world is encouraged and there are strong links within the group with local, national and international companies.

We seek highly motivated candidates with a strong background in computer science (1st class honours degree or equivalent, although a Master's is particularly desirable) with a particular interest in computer architecture, compilers and / or associated areas. Applicants should identify a potential Supervisor https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/cascade/people/ , contact them to discuss research areas and then write a short research proposal. Our dedicated applications page https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/cascade/applications/ describes the process in more detail.

This position is open to applicants from anywhere in the world; all university fees will be paid by the project and the successful candidate will receive a stipend at the UKRI rate https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/ for 3.5 years. An annual allowance will be provided for research training.

We encourage groups currently underrepresented in Engineering and Physical Science subjects. Amongst UK-domiciled students, this includes women, Black British, British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani applicants. Amongst UK-domiciled and international applicants, we also particularly welcome applications from people from low-income backgrounds, mature students, care-experienced students, and students from families where no parent or care-giver went to university.

Further information can be found on our widening participation webpages https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/widening-access .

For further information, contact Professor Timothy Jones https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~tmj32/

Please quote reference NR47730 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location

Department of Computer Science and Technology

Salary

Reference

NR47730

Category

Studentships

Date published

27 October 2025

Closing date

2 December 2025