PhD in Physics and Statistics for Cognitive Devices (1.0 FTE)

The implementation and design of cognitive devices holds significant promises for the future, in terms of energy efficiency and new computational approaches. At the same time, significant challenges remain.

In the project, we will develop new statistical methods for analyzing and controlling innovative materials for the implementation of cognitive hardware.

The project builds on expertise at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials and the Bernoulli institute of Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The Zernike institute is actively investigating cognitive hardware materials (in particular HfO2 memristor devices). Extensive data sets will be generated using a newly acquired Microprober. The Bernoulli Institute is contributing innovative statistical methods for large data sets (in particular using Bayesian networks).

The objective of the four-year position is that the candidate acquires unique expertise in this research area and performs original and solid work that can lead to a number of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and conference proceedings, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree (Dr) at the University of Groningen.

The project is connected to a second PhD project on the implementation and design of cognitive devices, with a focus on artificial intelligence.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 4-years PhD position is available jointly between the Bernoulli institute of Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. The project is part of the Groningen Cognitive Systems and Materials Center (CogniGron). The candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Marco Grzegorczyk and Prof Beatriz Noheda.

The successful candidate should:

• have a keen interest in pursuing fundamental and interdisciplinary research at the interface of applied physics, statistics and artificial intelligence
• have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant topic (mathematics, statistics, physics, material science)
• have good skills and/or strong interest in mathematics, programming and physics.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.