Research Leader CogniGron (1.0 FTE)

Do you want to play a crucial role in developing the next generation of computer technology? At CogniGron, a globally recognized research center of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a Research Leader Demonstrator Program to join our team.

As Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will be closely involved in the development and execution of innovative demonstrator programs within CogniGron. These programs connect concrete challenges from industry with CogniGron’s fundamental research. You will implement a co-design process and take a leading role in delivering concrete demonstrators (prototypes, proofs of concept) that showcase how the new technology can be applied in practice.

In this position, the focus is not on publications but on creating tangible demonstrators. Moreover, we strive to develop spin-offs arising from this demonstrator program, ensuring that our innovative technology firmly takes root in the market. In addition, the career path for this postdoc is not purely academic; rather, it is geared toward demonstrator development and engagement with industry. You will coordinate research projects, lead communication with companies, and promote activities translating fundamental knowledge into energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology.

In doing so, you will help CogniGron achieve our ambition of developing future-proof chips.

Why should you consider this position?

- Supporting innovation: You will play a key role in developing new computer technologies that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than today’s chips.
- Collaboration with industry: You will maintain close contacts with the business sector, connecting the end-user perspective with the research perspective.
- (Inter)national collaboration: You will work with leading researchers and build an (inter)national network.
- Broad range of tasks: You will combine a leading role in a co-design process, project management of scientific research, coordination of a team of 2-3 PhD candidates, support in grant applications, and interactions with companies.

Tasks and Responsibilities
As Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will:

- Develop demonstrators for energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology (neuromorphic computing) focused on themes such as edge/latency, security, or energy efficiency.
- Collaborate with companies to translate their use cases into clear research questions that align with CogniGron’s ambitions.
- Consolidate the scientific expertise within CogniGron and map relevant national and international knowledge partners for these use cases.
- Establish research projects in collaboration with PhD supervisors.
- (Together with companies) explore funding opportunities and grants, contributing substantively to new PhD research proposals, with the program office providing process support.

Working Environment
At the University of Groningen, we ensure that everyone can make the most of their potential. We are a large university, home not only to passionate researchers and lecturers but also to professionals in valuable supporting roles. Our university is actively engaged in society, and we consider it important to care for our environment. We aim to stimulate the talent, ambition, and performance of over 34,000 students and 6,500 staff as much as possible.

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). We conduct fundamental research on self-learning materials and systems for the next generation of computer chips. These chips must address growing data traffic and rising energy demands. Inspired by the human brain, we develop chips that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current models. Our goal is to create a blueprint for “future-proof computing.”

We are looking for someone who:

- Has a relevant academic background with a completed PhD. You have demonstrable research experience in a field that aligns with CogniGron’s themes, preferably with experience in demonstrator or valorization projects.
- Has a relevant (inter)national network or can quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
- Has experience in project coordination, preferably in projects where academia and industry collaborate.
- Has experience supervising junior researchers and students.
- Is knowledgeable about and experienced in working within an academic environment, and ideally also in industry.
- Possesses excellent communication skills.

In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities, we offer:

- A salary, depending on education and experience, ranging from € 4,060 up to € 5,331 (scale 10) gross per month for a full-time appointment.
- 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus on the annual gross income.
- An appointment of 1.0 FTE for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension as this is a multiple year project.
- A generous leave policy of up to 263 hours per year (based on 1.0 FTE).

Judith Paridaen, scientific coordinator CogniGron (please add vacancy no.)
cognigron@rug.nl

Visit CogniGron

Please submit your application (cover letter and curriculum vitae) before 2 May using the application form. The interviews will take place on 23 May.

The University of Groningen values social safety. We aim to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experience, perspectives, or identity. For more information, see our diversity policy page: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP recruitment code: https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.