Research Associate in AI for Circuits and Systems Design automation

Grade UE07: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum

School of Engineering/College of Science & Engineering

Institute/Discipline: Integrated Micro and Nano Systems

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for up to 5 years

The Opportunity:

This position is affiliated with the UKRI APRIL AI Hub that aspires to develop AI tools to accelerate innovation across semiconductor technologies, novel microchip designs, and system architectures – leading to faster, cheaper, greener, and overall, more power-efficient electronics. As one of nine UKRI funded AI Hubs, this is a highly visible programme both nationally and internationally.

The post-holder will work closely with a team of talented researchers and the APRIL operations team to support the development of novel AI capabilities, tools, and methodologies that can enhance the productivity of engineers in designing, developing, and testing advanced electronic devices and systems. More specifically, the post-holder will be able to develop and introduce AI tools into commercially available circuit design tools that can autonomously synthesize circuits and systems architectures. The aim is to drastically reduce the design time and optimize the transfer of known topologies into new CMOS technologies.

The post-holder will have the ability to engage with world-leading experts across AI and electronics both at Edinburgh and in other UK higher education (HE) institutions, as well as industrial partners to ensure the relevance of their research in addressing state-of-art challenges in electronics.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication, organization, and technical skills. They will enjoy working in a dynamic environment and be able to work on their own initiative as well as being an active team member. The role will report to the APRIL Hub Director (Principal Investigator), with ongoing engagement with other researchers in the Hub as well as academic leads.

This role is UE07 and is available on a fixed-term basis for up to 60 months.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A 1st class undergraduate degree and a PhD in Electronics or AI, or a clearly related area, with a proven contact with Circuits and Systems Design, or a closely related area or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience in AI tools for Circuits and Systems Design automation; Experience with EDA tools.
• A track record of research in AI, with a specific focus on Circuits and Systems Design or a closely related area.
• Experience in delivering research project results in a Circuits and Systems Design and/or AI context; i.e. a record of peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in a relevant area.
• Ability to be adaptive and accepting of new ideas and a willingness to approach new challenges and adjust plans to meet new priorities.

Please apply including a cover letter and CV.

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive salary of UE07, £40,497 - £48,149 per annum
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging, and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion:

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.

Key dates to note:

The closing date for applications is 15 May 2025.

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