PhD on Emulation framework for self-aware neuromorphic system-on-chip architectures

Introduction

This PhD project, part of the REACT MSCA Doctoral Network, aims to develop an energy-efficient compute-in-memory (CIM) architecture using gain-cell memory for real-time edge learning, addressing power, latency, and memory bandwidth issues with reliable fault detection.

Job Description

As part of the REACT Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network initiative, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research group working on next-generation neuromorphic computing systems. Inspired by the computational principles of the human brain, neuromorphic systems promise ultra-low-power intelligent processing through event-driven computation, on-chip learning, and compute-in-memory (CiM) paradigms that significantly reduce data movement between memory and processing units. However, evaluating such architectures at system scale remains a major challenge due to the limitations of conventional software simulation and existing device-level emulation platforms.

This PhD project will develop an advanced emulation framework, potentially FPGA-accelerated, for self-aware neuromorphic system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, enabling fast and accurate exploration of emerging hardware and learning paradigms. The framework will support rapid prototyping, automated design-space exploration, and cross-technology benchmarking, providing new insights into the co-design of learning algorithms, memory technologies, and neuromorphic hardware architectures for future edge-intelligent systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on energy-efficient CiM-based architectures, adaptive processing mechanisms, and secure AI acceleration for next-generation embedded and edge platforms.

Research objectives:

• Develop FPGA-based emulation and prototyping frameworks to accelerate the design-space exploration of neuromorphic SoC architectures leveraging emerging compute-in-memory (CiM) paradigms.
• Design energy-efficient, adaptive, and scalable neuromorphic SoC architectures integrating CiM technologies.
• Investigate security mechanisms for neuromorphic and AI accelerators, including side-channel resistance and secure on-chip learning.
• Implement, validate, and benchmark architectures using simulation environments and hardware prototypes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams spanning artificial intelligence, circuit design, computer architecture, and embedded systems engineering.

Job Requirements

• You may not have resided or carried out your main activity in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
• You may not already possess a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.​
• You must have Master degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering with excellent grades.
• You should have knowledge of Digital/Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit (IC) design and Computer Architecture.
• You should have solid skills in HDL (Verilog, VHDL) and scripting languages (Python, TCL).
• You should have experience with commercial EDA tools (Cadence/Mentor Graphics).
• Knowledge in Neuromorphic architectures and Low power IC design would be a definite plus.
• We are looking for a candidate with a research-oriented attitude, who is capable of taking initiatives, and has a strong problem-solving attitude.
• You should be able to work in an interdisciplinary team.   
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). 

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: 

• 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.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Manil Dev Gomony, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact  Kevin Caris, HR Advisor, [email protected] or +31 40 2478835.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button and concurrently at the application portal in the project website https://project-react.eu/vacancies/. The application should include a:

• A clearly written cover letter (maximum one page) explaining your motivation for applying.
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) in English, including a list of publications (if applicable).
• Copies of official BSc/MSc degree certificates and corresponding academic transcripts for each degree.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.