Postdoc position on Material learning with dopant network processing units

This position is part of the Horizon Europe Pathfinder project HYBRAIN. HYBRAIN’s vision is to realize a radically new technology for ultra-fast and energy-efficient edge AI inference based on a world-first, unique, brain-inspired hybrid architecture of integrated photonics and unconventional electronics with collocated memory and processing. As the most stringent latency bottleneck in CNNs arises from the initial convolution layers, we will take advantage of the ultrahigh throughput and low latency of photonic convolutional processors (PCPs). Their output is processed using cascaded analogue electronic linear and novel nonlinear classifier layers.

In 2020 we introduced the concept of dopant network processing units (DNPUs, Nature 577, 341-345 (2020)). In this postdoc project, you will work on the development of efficient machine-learning procedures to be applied to DNPU networks in combination with photonic and analogue electronic hardware. We will move to larger multi-DNPU networks and investigate the training performance of various conventional gradient descent methods for multi-DNPU networks in simulation first.

You will be working in the NanoElectronics Group of Prof. Van der Wiel. The NanoElectronics Group (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nanoelectronics, comprising the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nano regime. 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. In particular, we focus on neuromorphic electronics, quantum (spin) electronics, 2D electronic systems and acousto-electronics. The NanoElectronics Group is a founding member of BRAINS, the Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems at the University of Twente.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before February 1, 2025, and include:

• A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a Postdoc position in our group.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• References (contact information) of two scientific staff members (one of whom should be the supervisor of your MSc thesis/final project) who are willing to provide a recommendation letter at our request.

The first round of interviews will be held on February 17, 2025.

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