PhD position on Embedded Neuromorphic Processor Architecture with On-Device Adaptation

Interpreting complex sensory data patterns in real-time with minimum power consumption is important for the survival of any living creature. The brain is responsible for performing this computation and has evolved over millions of years to be efficient in power consumption and processing speed. A honey bee's brain uses a few milliwatts of power, yet it can perform a wide range of complex tasks such as navigation, communication, learning, and memory in real-time. Today, the most advanced commercial processor technology for this task consumes several orders of magnitude higher energy than the honey bee's brain. Neuromorphic devices are seen as the way forward towards more effective and more efficient machine learning. However, current on-device learning in embedded AI processors (including bio-inspired neuromorphic systems1-2-3) are a luxury feature that consumes a significant amount of power without considering power reduction. However, as humans, we know that, with practice, we can perform tasks better and faster with less effort. Our goal is to design methods and tools that leverage continuous learning to reduce power consumption and latency by algorithm-hardware co-optimization. As a candidate for this interdisciplinary Ph.D. position, you will be at the forefront of a transformative exploration into embedded AI. Your

work will focus on developing open-source algorithms and hardware designs that embody the principles of neuromorphic engineering, pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. We invite innovative thinkers who are passionate about combining the efficiency of biological systems with cutting-edge technology to apply. 1- Tang, Guangzhi, et al. "SENECA: Building a fully digital neuromorphic processor, design trade-offs and challenges." Frontiers in Neuroscience 17: 1187252. 2- Davies, Mike, et al. "Loihi: A neuromorphic manycore processor with on-chip learning." Ieee Micro 38.1 (2018): 82-99. 3- Rostami, Amirhossein, et al. "E-prop on SpiNNaker 2: Exploring online learning in spiking RNNs on neuromorphic hardware." Frontiers in Neuroscience 16 (2022): 1018006.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before  April 1st, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), to introduce yourself, emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including your GPAs, your rank among other classmates in the university (if available), name of at least two references, and, if applicable, a list of publications. Additionally, please annex your English transcript (a list of all courses attended, and grades obtained). 
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Amirreza Yousefzadeh ([email protected])

The PhD student will join CAES, a group working on the most efficient and effective computer architectures of the future, from large-scale data-centre servers to low-power/small-scale embedded systems. The group's research sits at the border between EE and CS, aiming to bridge any gaps between these two sides of computing systems.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.