PhD on “Hybrid-Photonic Neural Networks on Chip”

14 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

30 May 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group, in collaboration with the Photonic Integration Group (PhI) and within the Department of Electrical Engineering of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), is seeking to hire an outstanding PhD candidate on 'Hybrid-Photonic Neural Networks on Chip'.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate to investigate and implement conventional and novel concepts of neuromorphic computation to be translated on the InP membrane on Silicon (IMOS) platform, relying on the possibility to co-integrate lasers, modulators and PDs and still reach ultra-compact form-factor and interfacing to ultra-fast electronics. Concepts of the in-memory computing will also be investigated and developed for this same platform and for the first time. This PhD research will enable mapping neural network models on monolithically integrated ultra-fast and ultra-compact chips, leading to highly efficient and parallel processing ultra-compact engines.
Research challenges
You will be working within the newly granted NWA ORC (Research along Routes by Consortia) 'NL-ECO' project. See here for more information: Big consortium starts research into energy-efficient information technology (utwente.nl) . Within this extensive project framework, we will focus on combining mapping photonics neural networks on IMOS technology for frontier neural network research and accelerators. The project is among the first to bridge electronic ICs and photonic ICs with the target of enable scalable, high bandwidth and low latency computation monolithically on chip. This research will enable a whole new class of reconfigurable neural network layouts, which could lead to highly efficient optical processing engines.
Several on-chip computing paradigms have already been proposed using light. However, optimal solutions and scalability at the small energy and low latency are still far ahead. A different approach needs to be explored and realized within this program. The Photonic Neural Network (PNN) Lab within the ECO group at TU/e aims to synergically collaborate with the Photonic Integration (PhI) group to leverage the intrinsic strengths of the IMOS photonic integration technology.
The PhD student will explore different brain-inspired neural network models and investigate suitability and mapping into programmable layout designs on chip, exploiting multi-project wafer and dedicated runs on IMOS, to include laser sources, modulators, PDs and all devices needed for enabling neural network based computation. He/she will explore localized (PCM based- or similar) memory for zero-power synaptic operations and of non-linearities on IMOS for the most energy efficient computation and footprint efficiency. He will develop proof-of-concept prototypes supporting high connectivity synaptic operations and photonic neural networks. He will perform scalability analysis and investigation of the maximum allowed neuron fan-in and its cascadability for deducing the physical layer metrics and foresee the ultimate computing metrics in terms of energy efficiency, computational speed and form-factor.
The team
The PhD position is based within the Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group, in collaboration with the Photonic Integration (PhI) group, which are both part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) and of the Eindhoven AI System Institute (EAISI). The ECO group has about 73 members, 55 of which are PhD students and PDs, and 18 are staff members, focusing on photonic technology for communication and computation. The PhI group focuses on ground-breaking designs and fabrication of top-notch integration technologies.
The EHCI has five dynamic and ambitious research groups, which are closely cooperating: a systems group, a photonic integration technology group and three materials research groups, with a predominant focus on neuromorphic and quantum computing is the ideal ecosystem where to develop this research. The EAISI brings together all AI activities of the TU/e. Top researchers from various departments and research groups work together to create new and exciting AI applications directly impacting the real world in collaboration with representatives from the industry.
The PhD student will also closely be connected to the NL-ECO consortium for idea cross-fertilization and for developing novel synergic research within the same consortium [Big consortium starts research into energy-efficient information technology (utwente.nl) ]. The student will also closely interact with other 2 PhD students who will do adjacent and connected work on the algorithms and photonic integrated sides.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

Candidates for this challenging project must:

• Hold a Master within Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics or on Photonics;
• Strong background in photonics and integrated photonics;
• Background in semiconductor devices and general knowledge about semiconductor physics, modelling, and component design and in system integration;
• Good programming skills, and a strong affinity with AI models;
• Plus: some initial fabrication skills in clean room;
• Capable of taking initiatives and has a strong problem solving attitude;
• Good communication skills, fluent in English, both in speaking and writing, and good team-working capabilities and is capable of meeting hard deadlines;

Additional Information
Benefits

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
• For a PostDoc; A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.

Additional comments

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile? Then, please do apply straight away.
If you have questions and would you like to know more? Please do contact dr. Patty Stabile ([email protected] ) and dr. Yuqing Jiao ([email protected] ).
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services Flux, [email protected] .
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• A cover letter explaining: 1) your motivation for applying to this position, 2) background and qualifications for the position, 3) the proposal for a research plan for next four years, based on the project description.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications and awards),
• Contact information of two reference people,
• Copies of diplomas and a list of your courses taken and grades obtained,
• Half-page summary of your MSc thesis,
• Proof of English language skills (if applicable), and
• All other information that might be relevant.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible.
Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary please combine files.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/341474/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Country

Netherlands

City

Eindhoven

Postal Code

5612 AP

Street

De Rondom 70

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/341474/phd-on-hybrid-photonic-neural-networ…

Contact

City

Eindhoven

Website

http://www.tue.nl/

Street

De Rondom 70

Postal Code

5612 AP

STATUS: EXPIRED