PhD in digital accelerator design for computational neuroscience

PhD in digital accelerator design for computational neuroscience

Join to apply for the PhD in digital accelerator design for computational neuroscience role at University of Bern.

This position is based at the University of Bern, Department of Physiology, with a start date of 01.06.2025 or by agreement, and offers a 4-year PhD contract. Extended visits to Yale University are envisioned.

We seek a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on accelerator design for computational neuroscience, as part of a joint project between the Neuro-inspired Theory, Modeling and Applications (NeuroTMA) Lab at Bern and the Asynchronous VLSI and Architecture (AVLSI) Lab at Yale.

Research Focus

The NeuroTMA Lab focuses on biologically inspired models of cortical processing and their relation to reinforcement learning, Bayesian computing, and neuromorphic implementations. The AVLSI Lab researches asynchronous system design for efficient computation architectures. The project aims to develop an accelerator for simulating cortical models of processing and learning, involving the design, implementation, tape-out, and verification of a custom digital chip.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify a digital chip for differential equation solving in neural models.
• Extend existing theories of online learning to complex neuron dynamics, such as oscillators.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with faculty, mentored by an experienced postdoctoral researcher.

Requirements

• A master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field.
• Strong grasp of quantitative methods (dynamical systems, numerical methods, machine learning).
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and curiosity to grow skills.
• Experience in digital hardware development and proficiency with EDA tools is advantageous.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work closely with researchers, participate in lab meetings, and contribute to innovative projects at the intersection of neuroscience and circuit design. Candidates are encouraged to develop independent projects towards the end of their PhD to facilitate transition into postdoctoral roles.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send a single PDF including CV (max 2 pages), research statement (max 1 page), at least one single-author work, and contact details of two references to mihai.petrovici@unibe.ch, jakob.jordan@unibe.ch, and virginie.sabado@unibe.ch. Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Informal inquiries are welcome.