Research Associate* in NeuroAI, Neuromorphic Systems, Hardware-Software Co-Design

Imperial College London; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK research institution seeks a Research Associate to explore neuromorphic systems and develop innovative algorithms. Candidates should have a PhD in relevant fields such as Computer Science or Neuroscience, and possess strong skills in computational methods and programming. This dynamic role involves collaborating with top researchers and contributing to cutting-edge projects in alternative computing paradigms. Comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Sector-leading salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD focusing on computational systems, algorithms, or hardware.
• Experience in computational methods or machine learning.
• Proficiency programming in Python, C++, or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to neuromorphic networks and algorithm research.
• Explore unconventional computing paradigms.
• Present findings at conferences and in journals.

Skills

Computational methods

Machine learning

Algorithms

Programming in Python

Collaborative skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

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Research Associate* in NeuroAI, Neuromorphic Systems, Hardware-Software Co-Design, London

Client: Imperial College London

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Reference: 1adf3888e31a

Job Views: 12

Posted: 12.08.2025

Expiry Date: 26.09.2025

Job Description:

This exciting and broadly scoped Research Associate position, hosted at EEE at Imperial College London, is funded by the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency (ARIA). The work aims to redefine how computers process information by exploiting principles found in nature and advancing alternative computing paradigms. The position is deliberately broad to attract candidates with diverse backgrounds and interests.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project: "Brain-inspired spatially embedded neuromorphic networks with unprecedented memory," and broader research in algorithms and heterogeneous systems. Possible projects include:

• Investigating the scaling behavior of time-based quantized spiking neural networks.
• Applying parameter-free attention techniques to challenging neuromorphic tasks.
• Building neuromorphic datasets requiring “cocktail party effect” attention mechanisms.

The scope includes novel algorithms and hybrid systems. We encourage applicants from varied academic and technical backgrounds. Core competency in computational methods is essential; backgrounds in neuromorphic systems, alternative architectures, or heterogeneous systems are desirable.

The candidate will work closely with Dr. Danyal Akarca (Imperial), Prof. Daniel Goodman (Imperial), and Dr. Jascha Achterberg (Oxford). Regular meetings with the ARIA team will be held.

• Your research will be dynamic, exploring new opportunities, algorithms, and unconventional computing paradigms.
• You will continue existing work in neural network training, temporal parameter optimization, and efficiency improvements.
• You should start quickly, leveraging experience in machine learning, algorithms, or heterogeneous computing.
• You will liaise with external collaborators, hardware vendors, and research communities.
• You will present research findings at conferences and in journals.
• You will mentor junior researchers and PhD students.
• You will document research activities for reproducibility.
• You may contribute to grant proposals and reports.
• You will participate in seminars and workshops.

Educational background: PhD in Computer Science, Neuroscience, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related fields focusing on computational systems, algorithms, or hardware.
*Candidates not yet awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

• Advanced computing expertise: Experience in computational methods, machine learning, algorithms, or unconventional approaches.
• Computational systems knowledge: Background in modeling, algorithms, system optimization, or emerging technologies.
• Research experience: Proven record through publications, presentations, or projects.
• Programming skills: Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar, with experience in libraries like PyTorch, JAX.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills.
• Collaborative skills: Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams.
• Problem-solving: Analytical skills and adaptability.
• Project management: Experience in research planning and reporting.
• Mentorship: Ability to guide junior researchers.
• Innovation: Creativity in research ideas.
• Independence: Self-motivated and proactive.
• Time management: Skilled in managing multiple tasks.

Desired requirements:

• Hardware-software co-design experience.
• Experience with heterogeneous hardware like GPUs, FPGAs, neuromorphic chips.
• Cross-disciplinary background or experience translating approaches across paradigms.

Benefits include working closely with top researchers, contributing to ARIA’s first funded project, career growth opportunities, sector-leading salary, and comprehensive benefits.