Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures

imec the Netherlands; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid pension plan

Flexible working hours

Wide range of training possibilities

Job summary

A leading technology research institution in Eindhoven is seeking a Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures to lead innovative developments in Edge AI computing and neuromorphic processors. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD and have 4+ years of experience in the field, particularly in AI and neural networks. This position offers attractive compensation, flexible hours, and opportunities for international relocation support.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of industry/academic experience in related fields.
• Proven track record of publications and patents.
• Experience in hardware/software co-design.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture development for neuromorphic processors.
• Conduct research on novel neural network architectures.
• Collaborate closely with various teams for project success.

Skills

AI/neural network understanding

Neuromorphic design experience

Machine learning knowledge

Programming in C/C++

Analytical problem-solving

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

FPGA/ASIC design

Job description

Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures

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Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures

Lead the development of next-generation AI/Neuromorphic solutions for robotics and automotive applications.

Imec Netherlands has established a world-leading track record on the design of novel sensors for human health applications and ultra-low-power IoT devices in general. For instance, our teams continue to develop innovations in implantable therapeutics, medical/wearable devices, environmental monitoring, accurate localization, and many other fields. At our HQ in Leuven, Belgium we are world-renowned for pioneering new process technologies in collaboration with industrial foundries and with the broader semiconductor ecosystem. Imec’s research tracks enable unique opportunities for end-to-end innovations.

The team at imec Netherlands develops innovative solutions for both the Life Science and Medical Device domain, as well as large-scale, heterogeneous sensor networks that connect billions of devices within the Internet of Things (IoT). We have built various ultra-low-power (ULP) radio ICs, including Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth‑LE, and a UWB 6‑10 GHz radio tuned towards precise ranging and localization. Additionally, we are advancing a wide range of neuro‑inspired architectures, efficiently implementing them in ICs across multiple computational domains, such as spiking neural networks, online and on‑chip learning, sparse coding, and dynamic control. Our novel technologies will enable a wide range of smart IoT applications. Furthermore, we deliver our designs to customers, secure patents for the different inventions, and share our findings through publications in renowned conferences and journals, including ISSCC, ICC, WCNC, JSSC, and ISCAS.

As a Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures, you will take the lead in a multi‑disciplinary team to define and develop our next generation Edge AI computing and neuromorphic processors for IoT applications.

What you will do

As a researcher, you will take part in the development of the next generation of Edge AI solutions. You will actively contribute to the evolution of imec’s Edge AI and Neuromorphic roadmap while working on cutting‑edge research and prototyping efforts.

Your primary responsibility will be directing architecture development across the team. You will collaborate closely with algorithm and application specialists to define our next generation neuromorphic processors for IoT applications. Your focus will be on their architecture and the efficient implementation of neural network algorithms that will support a wide range of applications. Additionally, you will conduct research on novel neural network architectures in close collaboration with the IC design team, gathering stakeholder requirements to develop optimized algorithmic solutions. You will also aid in the development of new IC architectures and showcase these innovations through compelling demonstrators. Apart from coaching other digital designers, you will contribute to the definition of new R&D topics in collaboration with experts from various domains.

Your responsibilities as a Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures include:

• Lead architectural studies for neuromorphic ICs and memory‑centric architectures to support new sensing and communication concepts. Conduct simulations, prototype neuromorphic systems, and validate performance metrics.
• Lead cutting‑edge research in neuromorphic computing, developing novel system architectures and neural network models.
• Design and architect novel algorithms for model compactness, efficient mapping, and post‑deployment adaptation to improve resource efficiency and Edge AI processing performance.
• Contribute actively to the evolution of imec’s Edge AI and Neuromorphic roadmap while keeping up with academic and industrial state‑of‑the‑art.
• Develop and evaluate prototypes of novel and efficient neural algorithms on CTOS (GPU, DPU, TPU, etc.) and on imec’s new Neuromorphic IC’s.
• Incorporate neuromorphic sensing and communication concepts into imec’s sensor solutions to enhance data efficiency, communication efficiency, and duty cycling.
• Collaborate with other imec programs (memory, cmos, etc) for future‑system explorations.
• Publish research outputs and new ideas in high impact journals and conferences.
• Lead and contribute to project proposals for acquisition of national and EU funding, taking an active role in executing approved projects.
• Interact with customers and academic partners as a technical interface for existing and new collaborations.

What we do for you

As a Senior Researcher for Neuromorphic System Architectures at imec the Netherlands you get the chance to scale future computing beyond what is possible with silicon CMOS. In collaboration with your colleagues, you will work on a number of challenges to the design of efficient (brain‑like) chips: scalable, energy‑efficient, highly flexible network architectures that can learn with incredible efficiency.

Imec The Netherlands, as an employer of choice, offers you an attractive compensation and benefits package including a 100% employer‑paid pension plan and flexible working hours. Furthermore, imec‑NL offers a wide range of training possibilities. For international candidates, we provide support in the relocation process.

Who you are

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Neuroscience, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 4+ years of industry/academic experience in neural networks, Neuromorphic designs and/or Edge AI.
• Deep understanding of AI/neural network/Neuromorphic HW architectures and strong grasp of current trends and advancements.
• Solid understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, NEST, etc.).
• Proven track record in optimizing neuromorphic architectures and sub‑systems that are operating near the limitations of technology, with challenging resource constraints, and preferably in the field of ultra‑low power.
• Experience in hardware/software co‑design, FPGA/ASIC design, or specialized neuromorphic hardware (e.g., Loihi, TrueNorth, SpiNNaker).
• Strong ability to contribute to the definition of new R&D topics, write project proposals, guide roadmaps, and lead initial technical planning within our technical leadership team.
• Proactive and hands‑on mindset, demonstrating initiative, adaptability, and problem‑solving skills in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in interacting with customers and supporting business and portfolio teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and research skills with a track record of publications and patents.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Experience in programming (C and C++) and scripting languages (Python, Bash) are a plus.
• Your communication, scientific writing and presentation skills in English are excellent.

Interested

Does this position sound like an interesting next step in your career and work on making societal impact? Don’t hesitate to apply today by submitting your full resume and motivation Letter. Do you have any questions about this position? Then you can contact Maartje van Hout, Talent Acquisition Specialist. You can reach Maartje at [e-mail]

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Research