PhD position in computer architecture and hardware design for deep learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) empowers many applications in virtually all aspects of life. More and more devices, machines, and sensors connect to the Internet of Things (IoT), which creates large amounts of data. Even fast networks sometimes struggle to transfer data to a data centre or the ‘cloud' for analysis, demanding incredible power. Solving this high energy consumption and connectivity crisis is only possible by developing intelligent hardware for edge-computing systems, allowing for decentralized data processing close to a machine, device, or IoT sensor. To this end, the NWO IMAGINE project strives to design a novel and innovative CMOS-compatible energy-efficient framework for sensing and computing for vision edge-AI applications. IMAGINE will co-design device technology, analogue and digital electronic circuitry, algorithms, and systems to empower many applications, from reactive systems and autonomous driving to industrial inspection. IMAGINE is a collaboration of the University of Twente, the Eindhoven University of Technology, Toyota and IMEC.

We invite applications for a PhD position at the Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems group. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated candidate to work on this collaborative project doing research at the intersection of computer architecture, design of memory subsystems, FPGA-based acceleration, and deep learning.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.

You have a master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as computer engineering, embedded systems, or computer science.

You have good knowledge of C, C++, and Python (preferably in Linux environment).

You have experience in FPGA design using hardware description languages and/or high-level synthesis (VHDL, Verilog, Vitis HLS, Vitis), and knowledge in programming FPGA boards.

You know about machine learning and deep learning, and previous experience with AI/ML frameworks, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch

You are proficient 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 stimulating 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.

Free access to sports facilities on campus.

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 March 1, 2024, and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation to apply for this position.

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications, if applicable, and contact information of, at least, two academic references (one of them should be your Master project supervisor).

Academic transcripts of your Bachelor and Master's programs.

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 Dr. Nikolaos Alachiotis ([email protected]).

About the department

The CAES group conducts research and education in computer architecture and computing systems with a particular emphasis on embedded systems.

Embedded systems are already commonplace, they provide the necessary control and integration of cyber-physical systems. In the last couple of decades, a larger portion of the world's total computing power is taking place at the edge, motivated by broad concepts, such as the Internet-of-Things (IoT), machine learning, smart grids, and real-time and dependable systems. With different constraints in terms of power consumption, performance, reliability, and security, the understanding of the underlying computer architectures is vital for the efficient integration of these systems.

Our research goal is to investigate the challenges and opportunities in the intersection between CS and EE. This large scope allows our researchers to tackle real problems with a broad and systemic view, allowing for the development of new technologies, architectures, design automation tools, algorithms, methodologies, and models. This process requires knowledge from different domains in the hardware and software levels of abstraction, allowing ample space for our members to develop and collaborate internally and with external partners.

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.

Want to know more? Alachiotis, N. (Nikolaos)

Assistant Professor

Alachiotis, N. (Nikolaos)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Nikolaos for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534891352

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Varbanescu, A.L. (Ana-Lucia)

Personal page

Endres Forlin, B. (Bruno)

Personal page

Bunda, S.T. (Sebastian)

Personal page

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At the UT it's all about people, in line with our university's High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

Our mission We help to strengthen society

We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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