This position is funded through the European Horizon 2020 project "Memory technologies with multi-scale time constants for neuromorphic architectures" (MeM-Scales). The overall objectives in this project is the development of novel neural-network oriented microchip technologies (analog, spiking, memristor-based) and novel computational techniques which can cope with the brain-like properties of such unconventional hardware. The MeM-Scales project is a follow-up to the very successful project "Neural computing architectures in advanced monolithic 3D-VLSI nano-technologies" (NeuRAM3, http://neuram3.vsos.ethz.ch/). The project consortium is broadly interdisciplinary, joining 9 partnering research groups from material science through microchip design & manufacturing to computational neuroscience and machine learning.

Within this context, the focus theme of the MeM-Scales project is to tackle the challenge of multiple timescales. Biological brains can integrate information across timescales that span many orders of magnitude, from millisecond visual information processing to many years of long-term memory consolidation and forgetting. Biological brains employ a large number of physiological processes as a physical basis for operating on a continuum of timescales. On digital microchips used in online information processing, timescales come for free because bits of information can be stored in memory registers for arbitrarily long timespans. However, in future non-digital neuromorphic microchips, reliable non-volatile bit memories will not be available (just as they are not available in biological brains). Instead, dynamical / algorithmical mechanisms for timescale management and information stabilization must be found and exploited.

Within the MeM-Scales project, the group of Herbert Jaeger (https://www.rug.nl/staff/h.jaeger/) in Groningen will coordinate the conceptual, mathematical and algorithmical sides of such timescale management. The scientific mission statement for this postdoc position could thus be declared as "explore temporal information integration over multiple timescales in unconventional neuromorphic microchips". The general research attitude in Jaeger's group is one of a close coupling between formal mathematical modeling and the design of efficient algorithmic procedures. Since at this point, numerous but hardly explored options are "in the air" for timescale management, this position does not prescribe a specific set of tasks, but offers much freedom to engage in original work.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in computer science, AI, machine learning, signal processing and control, computational neuroscience, theoretical physics or mathematics (dynamical systems) or related fields.

The three main selection criteria are:

- the ability and inclination for rigorous conceptual thinking and mathematical formalization
- a strong interest in solving the riddles of information processing in complex dynamical systems (whether they be neural, technological, or even social)
- openness for working in a very interdisciplinary setting.

Fixed-term contract: 36 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary dependent on qualifications and work experience of € 2,709 gross per month up to a maximum of € 4,274 gross per month (salary scale 10 Dutch Universities) for a full-time job
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a temporary appointment, with a maximum of 3 years. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 3-years postdoc position is available at the Department of AI (Bernoulli Institute) of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, with the topic of "Multiscale information integration in neuromorphic computing".