PhD in Simulators for Post-Von Neumann architectures (1.0 FTE)

Based on current processor architectures, reaching orders of magnitude of improvements in terms of energy efficiency is considered impossible. Alternative strategies for realizing processing architectures are required, such as those inspired by the organization of the human brain that utilize novel materials.

Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors (FeFETs) exemplify the latter, regarded as a pivotal technology for the forthcoming generation of highly energy-efficient computing systems. FeFETs are programmable, non-volatile silicon devices that enable innovative architectures to efficiently execute complex, irregular, and highly dynamic computational tasks. Realising computing systems based on technologies like FeFETs require the design of architectures suitable for real-life problems. Moreover, appropriate mathematical methods, algorithms, and applications are required.

Simulators are a recognized method for architectural design explorations and the implementation of software development platforms. The goal of this PhD is to create a modular and extensible simulation infrastructure that facilitates design explorations and assessments of small applications. This simulation infrastructure will be explicitly validated for designs based on FeFETs.

The work will be performed within a multidisciplinary team of PhD students working at different levels, starting from advanced ferroelectric materials and circuit design, up to heterogeneous computing systems.

Organisation
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 34,000 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 4-years PhD position is available at the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with the topic of developing simulators for Post-Von Neumann architectures. The candidate would become a member of the Innovative Computer Architecture group and become part of the CogniGron research centre as well as the NL-ECO project.

The successful candidate should:

- MSc degree in the field of computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering or similar with an affection for computationally demanding applications and machine learning.
- Good analytical skills and a positive attitude towards interdisciplinary work.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- A salary of € 3,059 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,881 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Teaching: employed PhD candidates are expected to spend 10% of their working hours on teaching and/or supervising candidates.
- A full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first 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 that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years 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.