PhD position on Energy-efficient computing with dopant network processing units

Job description

This position is part of the Netherlands Initiative for Energy-Efficient Computing NL-ECO. NL-ECO is inspired by the need for a radical improvement in the energy efficiency of information and communication technology (ICT). This energy consumption is problematically high and is growing to unsustainable levels. The NL-ECO program, part of the Dutch National Science Agenda (NWA), aims to develop new concepts and associated materials for this purpose. In NL-ECO, 33 academic, industrial, and societal organisations join forces on one of the major social challenges; how can the rapidly increasing consumption of energy in ICT be curbed?

In 2020 our group in Twente introduced the concept of dopant network processing units (DNPUs, Nature 577, 341-345 (2020)). These are highly nonlinear silicon-based electronic devices that can be integrated in novel architectures for highly efficient computing. In particular, we see application potential for edge AI, where low power consumption and low latency are key. In this PhD project you will work on the fabrication and characterization of a new generation of dopant network processing units (DNPUs), that can be operated at room temperature and that are suitable for real-life static and time-dependent tasks.

Your profile

• You are highly motivated and enthusiastic about energy-efficient computing;
• You have a MSc degree in the field of (applied) physics, electrical engineering or similar with an affection for machine learning;
• You are an independent and original thinker with a creative mindset;
• You are a fast thinker with excellent analytical and communication skills;
• You have good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment;
• You are experienced with Python and Pytorch;
• You are fluent in English.

Our offer

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
•  A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before July 15th 2024, and include:

• CV
• Motivation letter

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Wilfred G. van der Wiel (W.G.vanderWiel@utwente.nl).

About the department

You will be working in the [NanoElectronics Group] (www.nano-electronics.nl)of Prof. Van der Wiel  in close collaboration with industry and other researchers within NL-ECO.

The NanoElectronics Group (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nanoelectronics, comprising the study of electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nanoregime. In particular, we focus on brain-inspired and quantum electronics. It is our mission to excel in the field of nanoelectronics through the development of novel (concepts for) electronic devices and systems with nanoscale dimensions for application in future generations of electronics and information storage. The NanoElectronics Group is a founding member of [BRAINS] (www.utwente.nl/brains), the Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems at the University of Twente.

About the organisation

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.