PhD Candidate: Neuromorphic Computing for Science

Employment

0.8 - 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 2,770 - € 3,539

Required background

Research University Degree

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

30 April 2024

Are you interested in a project at the interface between physics, machine learning and neuromorphic computing? Do you thrive for both fundamental and societal impact of your research? We have a project for you! Neuromorphic computing is a way to do computations using hardware that mimics the architecture of the brain.

Are you interested in a project at the interface between physics, machine learning and neuromorphic computing? Do you thrive for both fundamental and societal impact of your research? We have a project for you! Neuromorphic computing is a way to do computations using hardware that mimics the architecture of the brain. This project aims to explore and benchmark the potential of new neuromorphic hardware and algorithms for concrete problems in quantum many-body physics. The project closely aligns with fundamental studies on ultrafast nanomagnetism and aims to find out which computational tasks can be carried out faster and more energy-efficient by deployment of new neuromorphic hardware. Ultimately, this may lead to the breaking down of existing computational barriers, paving the way to new scientific discoveries.

Although fundamental in nature, our research may, in the long term, stimulate the adoption of neuromorphic hardware in societal applications. You will receive training and perform research and will be part of an interdisciplinary effort involving collaborations with the Donders Institute, SURF and IBM, publish results in leading journals and have the chance to participate in national and international schools and conferences. Lastly, you will dedicate 10 % of your working time to teaching activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.   

• You have excellent and highly motivated candidates with an MSc degree in Physics, Artificial Intelligence, or an equivalent qualification.
• You have a strong background in computational condensed matter physics and AI are particularly encouraged to apply.
• You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.

The Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials group conducts both experimental and theoretical research aimed to understand ultrafast processes in correlated materials. Your research will be embedded in interdisciplinary research on energy-efficient computing funded by the Dutch government through KIC and NWA programmes (NL-ECO). In addition, the research benefits from existing international collaborations (the EU-NIMFEIA project on magnonic reservoir computing, EU-COMRAD project on ultrafast spintronics, EU-3DMAGiC project on nanoscale topological spin textures). The main supervisors for this PhD position are Dr Johan Mentink and Prof Theo Rasing. Additional support will be provided by Dr Dima Afanasiev and Prof Alexey Kimel.

Institute for Molecules and Materials

Our research is embedded in the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), which strives to fundamentally understand, design and control the functioning of molecules and materials. We offer a first class and international research environment with various theoretical and computational research topics and projects targeted to support and stimulate experiments

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account (link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,770 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P ).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service . The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Address your letter of application to Dr Johan Mentink. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on 3 May. There will be interim selection procedures so it is possible that you will be assessed and invited to an interview or rejected before the closing date. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Apply now Application deadline 30 April 2024

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

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