PhD on Emulation Framework for Self-Aware Neuromorphic System-on-Chip Architectures Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology is part of the REACT MSCA Doctoral Network and focuses on the design of an emulation framework for self-aware neuromorphic system-on-chip architectures.

The project addresses a major bottleneck in neuromorphic computing: how to evaluate and compare large-scale architectures beyond what conventional software simulation or device-level emulation can provide. The successful candidate will develop an advanced, potentially FPGA-accelerated emulation and prototyping framework to enable fast, accurate exploration of emerging neuromorphic hardware and learning paradigms.

Research themes include compute-in-memory (CiM) and gain-cell memory for energy-efficient real-time edge learning, adaptive and scalable neuromorphic SoC architectures, automated design-space exploration, cross-technology benchmarking, and secure AI acceleration. The work also includes investigating security mechanisms for neuromorphic and AI accelerators, including side-channel resistance and secure on-chip learning.

The PhD candidate will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams spanning artificial intelligence, circuit design, computer architecture, and embedded systems engineering. The research is situated in the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e, a university known for its strong links to high-tech industry and its role in the Brainport Eindhoven innovation ecosystem.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering with excellent grades. Required skills include digital/mixed-signal IC design, computer architecture, HDL design (Verilog/VHDL), scripting (Python/TCL), and experience with commercial EDA tools such as Cadence or Mentor Graphics. Knowledge of neuromorphic architectures and low-power IC design is an advantage. English fluency at C1 level is required. In addition, MSCA mobility rules apply: you must not have lived or carried out your main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years before recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree.

The position offers full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary is in scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, with a minimum of €3,204 and a maximum of €4,051 per month, plus an 8.3% year-end bonus and 8% vacation pay. Additional benefits include pension contributions, parental leave arrangements, commuting and home-working allowances, training opportunities, and access to campus facilities.

The application is open until 2026-08-09 and will be screened on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should apply online and through the REACT project website, submitting a cover letter, CV, and academic documents.