Postdoc Position: Neuromorphic Computing in Physics

Are you interested in a project at the interface between computational physics, machine learning and neuromorphic computing? Do you thrive for both fundamental and societal impact of your research? If so, we have a project for you!

Neuromorphic computing is a way to do computations with hardware that mimics the architecture of the brain. This project aims to explore and benchmark the potential of new neuromorphic hardware and algorithms for concrete problems in quantum many-body physics. The project closely aligns with fundamental studies on ultrafast nanomagnetism and aims to find out which computational tasks can be conducted faster and more energy-efficient by deployment of new neuromorphic hardware. This may lead to the breaking of existing computational barriers, paving the way to new scientific discoveries. Although fundamental in nature, on the long term our research may stimulate the adoption of neuromorphic hardware for societal applications. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will receive training and be part of an interdisciplinary effort involving collaborations with the Donders Institute for Neuroscience, SURF (IT cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions) and InfinityQ (technology solutions firm), publish results in leading journals, and have the chance to participate in national and international schools and conferences.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1 year with an extension of two more years upon satisfactory performance.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials Group conducts both experimental and theoretical research aimed to understand ultrafast processes in correlated materials. Your research will be embedded in interdisciplinary research on energy-efficient computing funded by the Dutch government through a KIC and NWA programme (NL-ECO). In addition, the research benefits from existing international collaborations (EU-NIMFEIA project on magnonic reservoir computing, EU-COMRAD project on ultrafast spintronics, EU-3DMAGiC project on nanoscale topological spin textures). The main supervisors for this PD position are Dr Johan Mentink and Prof. Theo Rasing. Additional support will be provided by Dr Dima Afanasiev and Prof. Alexey Kimel.

Institute for Molecules and Materials
Our research is embedded in the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), which strives to fundamentally understand, design and control the functioning of molecules and materials. We offer a first-class international research environment with various theoretical and computational research topics and projects targeted to support and stimulate experiments.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Johan Mentink. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 21 July. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.