University Professorship (W3) “AI Methods in Chip Design”

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT); Baden-Württemberg; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent research conditions

International networking

Transparent career paths

Family-friendly offers

Onboarding & integration program

Job summary

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) invites applications for the Chair of AI Methods in Chip Design. The role focuses on AI-based design and deployment for advanced chip architectures and edge AI devices.

You will guide a growing research group and actively collaborate with national and international partners within connAIx and KIT. You will teach within the KIT ETIT degree programs, contribute to external funding efforts, and help shape a comprehensive doctoral qualification program for

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree with above-average grades in electrical engineering and information technology or a related field.
• Track record of outstanding, internationally recognized research achievements in AI methods in chip design.
• Experience across the entire microchip development chain from design through tape-out to electrical testing.
• Excellent teaching skills (in English and future German) and ability to secure external funding.
• Strong skills in leading and organizing a research group.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on AI-based design and deployment methods for modern chip design.
• Research on modern computer architectures such as AI accelerators, in-memory computing, non-von Neumann architectures, and neuromorphic computing.
• Design ASICs for AI applications in edge computing, smart sensors, intelligent robots, and for medical and automotive technology.
• Network with researchers at connAIx, KIT, and partner universities, and collaborate with Fraunhofer IAF.
• Shape the qualification program for over 60 doctoral researchers and actively participate in teaching in the Chip Design degree program.
• Organize and manage connAIx and ETIT department tasks and contribute to KIT governance.
• Provide innovative impetus for academia and industry via projects, patents, and spin-offs.
• Fulfill university duties with an initial teaching obligation of 9 hours per week per semester, planned to reduce.

Education

Doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering & Information Technology or related field

Excellent teaching skills in English (future German)

Ability to secure external funding

Leadership and group organization

Job description

connAIx is a new, joint research institute for applied AI established by three leading universities — KIT, the University of Stuttgart, and the University of Tübingen — that focuses on AI research in the fields of chip design, robotics, and related topics for AI applications. Located in the Heilbronn, it offers extensive opportunities for collaboration with industry partners and other research institutions, including imec, Fraunhofer, ETH Zurich, and the Technical University of Munich. Based on this, the Chair of AI Methods in Chip Design is being established at KIT. The chair addresses the research field of AI methods for circuit design and the development of new AI circuit architectures.

Your Tasks

• You will conduct research on AI-based design and deployment methods for modern chip design.
• You will conduct research on modern computer architectures, such as AI accelerators, in-memory computing, non-von Neumann architectures, and neuromorphic computing.
• You will design ASICs for AI applications in edge computing, smart sensors, intelligent robots, as well as for medical and automotive technology.
• You will network with researchers in related fields at connAIx in Heilbronn, as well as at KIT and the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen, and strive for close collaboration with the Fraunhofer IAF in Heilbronn.
• You will actively shape the qualification program for more than 60 doctoral researchers at connAIx.
• You actively participate in teaching in the degree program Chip Design and other degree programs offered by the KIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (ETIT).
• You will participate in the organization and management of connAIx and the department committees, as well as in the department tasks of the KIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (ETIT).
• You will provide active and innovative impetus for academia and industry, particularly through project initiatives, patents, and spin-offs.
• You will execute university tasks with a teaching obligation of 9 hours per week per semester. It is planned to reduce the teaching obligation.

Your Profile

• You hold a doctoral degree with above-average grades in electrical engineering and information technology or a related field.
• You have a track record of outstanding, internationally recognized research achievements in the field of “AI Methods in Chip Design.”
• You have relevant experience across the entire microchip development chain, from design through tape-out to electrical testing.
• You possess excellent teaching skills (in English and, in the future, in German) and the ability to secure your own external funding.
• You have strong skills in leading and organizing a research group.

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).

We Offer

• Excellent Research Conditions & State-of-the-art Infrastructure : Benefit from a unique environment that combines university and large-scale research, and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and interdisciplinary projects. This environment enables you to conduct both basic and applied research at the highest level.
• International Networking : You will work in a global network that encompasses international collaborations and English-language scientific communication. KIT promotes exchange with leading research institutions and industry partners worldwide.
• Transparent Career Paths & Personal Development : Clear development prospects, individual coaching, and a well-developed leadership development program support you in steering your academic career in a targeted manner.
• Family-friendly Offers : The KIT Dual Career Service supports you and your partner in integrating into the workforce, while flexible working time models and company childcare facilities make it easier to balance work and family life.
• Onboarding & Integration : A customized onboarding program will accompany you from your first day at work, enabling you to quickly get started in research, teaching, and the KIT networks and get off to the best possible start.

Salary

Salary is governed by the statutory provisions of the State of Baden-Württemberg and comprises the basic salary of salary grade W3.

In addition, the granting of performance‑related pay components is possible. The family allowance is paid, where applicable, in accordance with civil service law.

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.