PhD Position in Neuromorphic Computing and Hybrid Electrical–Optical Architectures (MINDnet, EU Doctoral Network) Research Center Jülich in Germany

This PhD position is part of the MINDnet EU-funded Doctoral Network, which brings together 15 PhD students across 7 universities, a research center, and two companies from eight EU countries. The overarching research theme is neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing, with applications in communication, sensing, geolocalization, space, and biomedical fields. The successful candidate will be based at the PGI-14 Research Center Jülich in Aachen, joining the 'Adaptive In Memory Computing Group' and collaborating closely with an international, interdisciplinary team.

The project focuses on optimizing hybrid electrical–optical computing architectures for hardware acceleration of large-scale machine learning workloads. Key research tasks include the investigation and design of computing and communication architectures, characterization and modeling of electronic and optical devices, development of hardware-aware machine learning models, and implementation of hardware-efficient training methodologies. The role also involves comparative benchmarking, numerical modeling, validation of brain-inspired and neuromorphic algorithms, and hands-on experimental work with circuit-level measurements and data analysis.

As part of the Doctoral Network, the PhD student will participate in secondments at HPE Belgium (Brussels), Spincloud Systems GmbH (Dresden), and Technical University Ilmenau, each lasting approximately three months. Regular meetings, training schools, and workshops with the other network PhD students will provide ample opportunities for professional development and networking. The position also includes outreach activities such as public engagement and science communication.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field. Experience with emerging memory devices and a strong background in electronics, including circuit analysis and simulation (SPICE, LTspice, Cadence, MATLAB, Python), are required. Excellent communication skills, teamwork, and proficiency in English are essential. Due to Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, candidates must not have resided or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

The position offers a world-class research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, flexible working hours, 30 days of annual leave, and support for international employees. The contract is for three years, classified under pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund, with a special Christmas bonus and the prospect of longer-term employment. The project is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie program (Grant Agreement No. 101226674).

Applications are welcome from candidates of all backgrounds. The preferred start date is between May and September 2026, with the grant starting January 1, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official application link.