The Ilmenau University of Technology, located in Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Photonic Reservoir Computing as part of the EU-funded MINDnet Doctoral Network. The position is based in the Department of Physics, within the Theoretical Physics II group, and supervised by Prof. Dr. Kathy Lüdge. The research focuses on adaptability and memory in physical reservoir computing systems, with a particular emphasis on photonic devices and nonlinear dynamics in complex laser systems. The successful candidate will join an international team collaborating across seven universities, one research center, and two companies in eight EU countries. The MINDnet project brings together 15 PhD students working on neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, targeting applications in communication, sensing, geolocalization, space, and biomedical fields. The PhD student will benefit from secondments at HP Enterprise (Belgium), Technical University of Denmark (Kopenhagen), and University College London (UK), gaining hands-on experience with large-scale neuromorphic chips, optical ring resonators, and optical excitation in memristors. Regular meetings, training schools, and workshops with other doctoral candidates in the network foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. Research activities will include bifurcation analysis of optical computing units, investigation of machine learning tasks requiring short-term memory (such as time series prediction and speech recognition), and modelling of optical networks to identify optimal operation regions. The project aims to advance the understanding of energy-efficient photonic platforms for neuromorphic computing, addressing challenges in device architecture and integration technologies inspired by the brain’s processing capabilities. Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree in physics or a closely related discipline. Desirable qualifications include programming experience (Python or C++), basic knowledge of laser modelling and nonlinear dynamics, and strong English communication skills. Candidates must not have resided or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not already possess a doctoral degree. The position is full-time and open to candidates of any nationality, with selection based on CV, experience, and skills. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent professional suitability will be given preference. The funding package includes a monthly gross salary of €4,768.12, covering living and mobility allowances, with possible additional family and special needs allowances. Social security fees and taxes will be deducted. The university offers 30 days of vacation per year, flexible working models, individual training opportunities, and a supportive, family-friendly environment. The application deadline is March 15, 2026. For further information, candidates may contact Prof. Dr. Kathy Lüdge at TU Ilmenau. To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, including all required certificates and references. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews, potentially conducted online. Applicants are encouraged to review the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers before applying.

The Technische Universität Ilmenau in Germany is offering a fully funded PhD position in Photonic Reservoir Computing within the Department of Physics, Theoretical Physics II group. This opportunity is part of the EU-funded MINDnet Doctoral Network, which brings together 15 PhD students across 7 universities, a research center, and two companies, focusing on neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing for applications in communication, sensing, geolocalization, space, and biomedical fields. The research project centers on the in-depth analysis of memory and adaptability in physical reservoir computers, specifically through modeling and nonlinear dynamics analysis of complex laser systems. Key tasks include bifurcation analysis of optical devices used as computing units, investigating machine learning tasks such as time series prediction and speech recognition in relation to the bifurcation structure of optical networks, and predicting optimal operation regions with augmented memory using input and output delay. The successful candidate will join an international team and benefit from secondments at HP Enterprise (Belgium), Technical University of Denmark (Copenhagen), and University College London (UK), gaining exposure to large-scale neuromorphic chips, optical ring resonators, and optical excitation in memristors. The project also includes regular meetings, training schools, and workshops with other doctoral candidates in the network. Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree in physics or a related discipline. Desirable skills include programming experience in Python or C++, basic knowledge of laser modeling and nonlinear dynamics, and strong English communication skills. Candidates must not have resided or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not already possess a doctoral degree. The recruitment process follows the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers. The position offers a gross monthly salary of 4,768.12 € (before taxes and social security), with additional allowances for family and special needs if applicable. The university provides 30 days of annual vacation, flexible working models, training opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive environment. The application deadline is March 15, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Kathy Lüdge at Technische Universität Ilmenau. To apply, submit your application online with all required documents. For more details, visit the official job posting and review the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers.

The Department of Physics, Theoretical Physics II group at Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany), invites applications for a PhD position in Photonic Reservoir Computing, starting July 2026. This position is part of the EU-funded MINDnet Doctoral Network, which brings together 15 PhD students across 7 universities, a research center, and two companies from eight EU countries. The research focuses on adaptability and memory in physical reservoir computing systems, with applications in neuromorphic computing, analog signal processing, communication, sensing, geolocalization, space, and biomedical fields. The successful candidate will join an international team and benefit from secondments at HP Enterprise (Belgium), Technical University of Denmark (Kopenhagen), and University College London (UK), gaining hands-on experience with large-scale neuromorphic chips, optical ring resonators, and optical excitation in memristors. The project includes regular meetings, training schools, and workshops with other doctoral network participants, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. Research tasks include bifurcation analysis of optical devices, investigating machine learning tasks requiring short-term memory (such as time series prediction and speech recognition), and predicting optimal operation regions for enhanced memory in optical networks. The project emphasizes modelling, nonlinear dynamics, and the development of energy-efficient photonic computing architectures inspired by the brain's processing capabilities. The position offers a gross monthly salary of 4,768.12 € (before taxes and social security), with additional allowances for mobility, family, and special needs, as per the MSCA workprogramme. The role includes 30 days of annual vacation, flexible working time, training opportunities, and a supportive, family-friendly environment at a renowned German university. Applicants must have a two-year master's degree (or equivalent) in physics or a related field, experience in Python or C++ programming, basic knowledge of laser modelling and nonlinear dynamics, and strong English communication skills. Eligibility criteria include mobility rules (not residing in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 36 months) and not already holding a doctoral degree. Selection is based on qualifications, experience, and interview performance. For more information and to apply, visit the official TU Ilmenau job portal. The application deadline is March 15, 2026.