Postdoctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models

Northeastern University; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution in London is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models. This role involves developing energy-efficient frameworks and contributing to groundbreaking research in AI. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and strong skills in mathematical modelling and Python. The position offers competitive benefits and a supportive work environment, including opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Private medical insurance

Season ticket loans

Cycle-to-work scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling and algorithm design.
• Proficiency in Python and ability to execute and publish research.

Responsibilities

• Efficient fine-tuning of spiking/neuromorphic language models.
• Co-design of hardware and software for energy-efficient systems.
• Publishing results in leading journals and presenting findings.

Skills

Mathematical modelling

Algorithm design

Theoretical analysis

Proficiency in Python

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Job description

About the Opportunity

Position Overview

Discipline: Engineering

Faculty: Computing Mathematics Engineering and Natural Sciences (CoMENS)

Location: London Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term: 12 months

Salary Range: 42701 per annum

Reports to: Professor Osvaldo Simeone

Benefits

The university supports staff maintaining a good work-life balance offering: (i) flexible working and parental leave opportunities; (ii) an employee assistance programme which provides free confidential advice on both home and work concerns as well as optional private medical insurance; (iii) season ticket loans; and (iv) being part of the cycle-to-work scheme.

Start

February 2026

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models to work with Professor Osvaldo Simeone and Professor Bipin Rajendran. This position is funded under an ARIA grant aimed at democratizing AI via brain-inspired energy-efficient training and adaptation.

The successful candidate will join a research group working on this project to develop theoretically principled energy-efficient and reliability-aware frameworks for next‑generation AI with special emphasis on neuromorphic and spiking architectures for language modeling. Key application domains include edge intelligence, low-power autonomous systems and communication networks.

Research Contributions

• Efficient fine-tuning of spiking / neuromorphic language models: sparse updates, weight quantization, modulatory adaptation and task-dependent reconfiguration.
• Neuromorphic hardware‑software co‑design including simulation and prototyping of energy‑aware spiking systems for scalable inference and adaptation.
• Publishing results in leading journals and conferences in machine learning, information theory and quantum information.
• Presenting research findings at project meetings, workshops and international symposia.
• Supporting the supervision and mentoring of PhD students and research assistants within the group.
• Contributing to the preparation of project deliverables, reports and future funding proposals.

We particularly encourage applications from those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education.

About the Faculty

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) at Northeastern University London focuses on advancing next‑generation wireless systems and intelligent connectivity. Building on WIoT's global research leadership the London campus brings together expertise in AI neuromorphic computing and wireless communications to explore transformative technologies for 6G and beyond. The institute fosters close collaboration with industry and academia, providing an interdisciplinary environment for innovation, hardware prototyping and impactful real‑world research.

The Faculty of Computing Mathematics Engineering and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual‑degree programmes in the areas of Data Science, Data Science and Politics, Computer Science and Business, and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programmes in the areas of AI Ethics, Data Science, Computer Science and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI, Data Science, Digital and Technology Solutions and Biosciences.

The faculty plays a major part in Northeastern University’s first‑year student mobility programme offering undergraduate courses in Computer and Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Healthcare, striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role the following should apply; if you do not have the experience below please highlight where transferable skills would assist you in undertaking the role.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.

Key Criteria

• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling, algorithm design or theoretical analysis of learning systems.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute and publish research.
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent time‑management and organisational skills.

Additional Information

Enquiries may be made to Professor Osvaldo Simeone. However all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process: Applications must include a CV and a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short‑listed candidates.

The panel will be short‑listing for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship: Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.

About the University

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award‑winning contemporary facilities for students and staff, including state‑of‑the‑art audio‑visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.

Inspired by excellence infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion at NU London, being part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders, and London's rapid growth offers opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1500 students our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance; your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us and our offerings encompass:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).

• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.

• Support with private medical insurance.

• Eye test reimbursement.

• Cycle Scheme vouchers.

• 24/7 employee assistance/support via our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Other Contact Information

Informal enquiries may be made to Alice Caryer. However all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Employment Type

Full‑time

Vacancy

1