We have a vacancy for a PhD who will work on two new designs of non-volatile memristive devices, fabricate and characterize them and advance on the designs that already exists in our team (link: https://www.rug.nl/research/zernike/physics-of-nanodevices/banerjee-group/).

Our group is working on different types of memristive devices and constantly expanding their horizon for different neuromorphic applications. We have successfully demonstrated an enhancement of the dynamic range and of memristive properties by downsizing the areal footprint of the devices in recent works. We are now seeking to advance this area of non-volatile memristors by two new memristive designs with possible co integration in commonly used platforms in a new program called ‘MeMo – Memristive models for faster material design cycles towards applications’. You will be using the Nanolab facilities at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials and infrastructure existing within the group. In addition you will work in close collaboration with the Computational Mathematics group at the Bernoulli Institute within the environment of the CogniGron research centre to develop memristor models for existing algorithms and for applications in surrogate settings.

You will work in the interdisciplinary environment of the CogniGron research centre. At CogniGron we continue to do fundamental research into self-learning materials and systems for cognitive computing – computing that has the ability to learn and to handle complex challenges in a highly efficient way, inspired by how the brain works. Our mission: to find a new blueprint for future-proof computing. We offer a vibrant atmosphere within CogniGron with plenty of opportunities to interact with other PhDs from various disciplines. Further you will be given opportunities to develop different skills during their program:

• Training programs that strengthens your academic profile including following different courses, attending workshops and learning programing skills
• Participation at CogniGron@work weekly meetings
• Publishing and presenting your work in network and international conferences

• Master degree in (applied-) physics, electrical engineering or similar fields
• knowledge of advanced electronic devices, solid state physics and quantum mechanics is required
• working experience in fabricating nanosized devices using a cleanroom environment
• basic knowledge in programming (C/C++, Python)
• good communication and writing skills in English.
Please consider applying even if you do not fulfil all of the above mentioned requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

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

• a salary of € 2,541 in the first year to a maximum of € 3,247 gross per month in the final year (PhD salary scale), based on a full-time position
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE). The position is for four years and is available as soon as possible. First you will be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate whether a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering of the Faculty.

The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/