Project
Brain-inspired (neuromorphic) computing aims to mimic the efficiency of the brain in complex classification tasks by applying learning directly in hardware and has great potential for local edge computing in applications such as smart wearables and point-of-care devices. Successful implementation requires straightforward training and low power operation and despite the emergence of organic materials as building blocks for neuromorphic systems by virtue of their low operation voltage and excellent tunability properties, these systems still rely on external training in software.

In the ERC project BIOMORPHIC we are developing trainable smart biosensors based on arrays of organic neuromorphic devices, acting as synaptic weights of a hardware neural network, directly on the chip.  Combined with their relative stability and low voltage operation these materials are ideal for local and autonomous operation. The goal of the project is to exploit the strength of machine-learning to efficiently classify biological cells through a modular microfluidic chip linked with the neuromorphic array, where input is generated by a range of integrated sensors optimized for characterizing various cell properties. In particular, BIOMORPHIC will be applied to classify circulation tumour cells (CTCs), known for their large variation in morphological and molecular properties making it difficult for conventional sensors to properly identify them.

In this postdoc project, relatively small arrays will be used for simple learning and classification tasks, related to the cell classification chip. The neuromorphic core will be trained to react to different sensor inputs from the surrounding including impedance, reflection, etc. and bases its decisions on this. The overall goal of this project is:

To develop a trainable smart lab-on-a-chip with integrated organic neuromorphic devices for cell classification.

Embedding
The postdoc will be directly supervised by dr.ir. Yoeri van de Burgt, associate professor in Neuromorphic Engineering, within the Microsystems section. The neuromorphic engineering group is part of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) as well as the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI). The Microsystems section manages the Microfab lab, a state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility that houses a range of micro-manufacturing technologies. The project is part of the ERC Starting Grant project BIOMORPHIC.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in electrical or circuit engineering, materials science and engineering, artificial intelligence, or another relevant discipline. Given the multidisciplinary character of the proposed research the ideal candidate has experience in device physics, circuits, sensors, microfabrication and materials science. Experience with biological cells is a plus. Furthermore, the candidate has a hands-on attitude, experimental experience and can work independently as well as collaborate with others.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for 2 years.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.