PhD Position In-Memory AI Accelerators for Energy-Efficient Edge Computing

PhD Position In-Memory AI Accelerators for Energy-Efficient Edge Computing

Are you ready to unlock the potential of emerging technologies and architectures in designing the next generation smart wearable and implantable devices?

Shape the Future of AI Hardware for Wearable and Implantable Devices

Deploying AI on resource-constrained platforms such as wearable and implantable devices opens exciting possibilities to improve healthcare, enhance quality of life, and contribute to more sustainable computing. Achieving this requires radically new, energy-efficient computing engines built on innovative architectures and emerging device technologies. In this aspect, Emerging computation-in-memory (CIM) architectures, particularly those using memristor-based technologies, offer a promising potential for energy-efficient AI acceleration by performing computational tasks directly within the memory. In CIM, the storage unit consists of a highly compact crossbar structure built using non-volatile, scalable, and CMOS-compatible memristor devices, such as resistive random-access memory (RRAM). The data stored in memristor devices is analog, represented as resistance states, which enables data access in the analog domain. This approach not only facilitates greater parallelism but also improves the scalability of operations, resulting in significant performance gains for data-intensive tasks.

The Computer Engineering (CE) section of the Quantum & Computer Engineering (QCE) department is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working on Analog In-Memory Brain-Inspired AI Accelerators. Your research will directly contribute to the development of AI hardware capable of processing complex tasks efficiently at the edge — where energy is limited, but impact is high.

You’ll be part of a diverse and passionate team of academic staff, PhD candidates, and postdocs in the Computer Engineering Section. We value open discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating regularly to advance our understanding of computer engineering. You’ll also receive comprehensive training to support your growth as a scientist.

Your role as a PhD candidate

While being an integral part of the team, you will work at the intersection of AI hardware, emerging memory technologies, and analog circuit design:

• Design and develop Computation-In-Memory (CIM)-based architectures using memristive devices.
• Implement, evaluate and refine the architectures.
• Demonstrate the potential of the architectures through tape-outs.

You will also have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate closely with international partners within the European MSCA Doctoral Network TIRAMISU – Training and Innovation in Reliable and Efficient Chip Design for Edge AI (2024-2028).
• Strengthen your academic and teaching skills by guiding MSc students and contributing to the educational program.
• Present your findings with the global scientific community by presenting at leading international conferences and publishing in top journals.

This position is a part of a new European MSCA Doctoral Network TIRAMISU “Training and Innovation in Reliable and Efficient Chip Design for Edge AI” (2024-2028) – an EU-funded program designed to train future European engineers and researchers driving innovation in reliable and energy-efficient Edge AI chips. The program provides strong interdisciplinary training, international collaboration, and mobility opportunities.

What We Offer

You will be part of an inspiring, international research environment where collaboration, diversity, and personal growth are highly valued. We offer you:

• A dynamic and inclusive research team within a collaborative academic setting;
• Close supervision and mentorship to support both your technical and personal development;
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for circuit design, fabrication, and testing;
• Strong connections with industrial partners and European academic leaders in the field of energy-efficient AI hardware;
• The opportunity to contribute to real-world applications in healthcare, sustainability, and next-generation AI technologies.

Throughout the project, you will develop a unique skill set in analog design, emerging AI hardware, and interdisciplinary research — preparing you for a successful career in academia or industry.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who brings curiosity, creativity, and technical excellence to the project. You ideally have:

• A completed MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field;
• Solid knowledge of analog and/or digital circuit design;
• Basic understanding of AI algorithms and hardware implementations (a plus);
• Interest in teaching and mentoring students;
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to take initiative.
• You meet the eligibility criteria of the MSCA programme.

Are you ready to shape the future of AI hardware and make real-world impact?

Apply now and become part of our international team driving innovation in energy-efficient AI systems. We look forward to receiving your application!

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 3059 per month in the first year to € 3881 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. said Hamdioui, s.hamdioui@tudelft.nl or Dr. Anteneh Gebregiorgis, a.b.gebregiorgis@tudelft.nl.