PhD in AI-assisted Reverse Engineering of Integrated Circuits Tilburg University in Netherlands

Tilburg University is inviting applications for a PhD position in AI-assisted reverse engineering of integrated circuits within the SHIELD project. The role sits at the intersection of computer science, electrical engineering, physics, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and hardware security.

The project focuses on developing AI methods to analyze high-resolution microscopy data of integrated circuits and reconstruct nanoscale chip structures and logical behavior. Research tasks include deep learning for multilayer segmentation and transistor classification, graph-based inference for reconstructing logical blocks and detecting anomalous structures such as hardware Trojans, and evaluation of memory extraction, vulnerability analysis, and logical reconstruction workflows.

The work uses advanced imaging modalities such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photon emission microscopy (PEM), and focused ion beam (FIB) imaging. The successful candidate will work in Tilburg University’s Research Center for Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence, formally embedded in the Department of Intelligent Systems, and collaborate with the Department of Computational Cognitive Science, the Netherlands Defence Academy, and the Netherlands Forensic Institute.

Applicants should hold a completed master’s degree in AI, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Neuroscience, Physics, or a closely related quantitative field. Strong Python skills, experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow, and a background in computer vision or image analysis are preferred. The post also asks for strong analytical thinking, scientific writing ability, and clear communication in English.

This is a full-time PhD position with a 12-month initial contract and extension for the remaining years after evaluation. Salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, with an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. International candidates may qualify for a tax-free allowance, and accommodation support is available.

The application deadline is 28 June 2026. To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, official Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts, a mandatory Master’s thesis, optional publications or technical reports, and contact details for two referees. Applications must be submitted online through Tilburg University’s recruitment portal.