Research Leads CogniGron Demonstrator programme on Neuromorphic Computing

Do you want to play a crucial role in developing new applications for the next generation of computer technology? At CogniGron, a globally recognized research center of the University of Groningen, we are looking for two Research Leads Demonstrator Program to join our team.

As a Research Lead in the Demonstrator Program, you will be closely involved in the development and execution of innovative demonstrator programs within CogniGron. These programs connect concrete real-world challenges from industry with CogniGron’s fundamental research on Neuromorphic computing. You will lead the interaction with the stakeholders, set up the research projects in a co-design process and take a leading role in delivering concrete demonstrators (prototypes, proofs of concept) that showcase how the new technology can be applied in practice. 

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds an MSc or PhD in a relevant field with demonstrable research experience in a field that aligns with CogniGron’s research lines, preferably with experience in demonstrator or valorization projects.
• Has experience in stakeholder engagement and/or business development.
• Has experience in project coordination, preferably in projects where academia and industry collaborate.
• Possesses excellent (interdisciplinary) communication skills.
• Has a relevant (inter)national network or can quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
• Preferably has experience supervising a team (of junior researchers and students). 

In this position, the focus is not on publications but on creating tangible demonstrators. Moreover, we strive to develop spin-offs arising from this demonstrator program, ensuring that our innovative technology firmly takes root in the market. You will as part of a team of Research Leads and PhD students be responsible for the implementation of the demonstrator program as well as the engagement with industry. Furthermore, you will be in charge of communication with companies, coordinate translation of real-world use cases into research projects and promote activities translating fundamental knowledge into energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology. In doing so, you will help CogniGron achieve our ambition of developing future-proof chips. The demonstrator programme will become part of the NWO-funded national long-term program “10x-Factor(y)”.

Why should you consider this position?

• Collaboration with industry: You will maintain close contacts with the business sector, connecting the end-user perspective with the research perspective.
• Supporting innovation: You will play a key role in developing new computer technologies that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than today’s chips.
• (Inter)national collaboration: You will work with leading researchers and build an (inter)national network.
• Broad range of tasks: You will combine a leading role in interactions with companies with project management of scientific research towards demonstrators using a co-design process; you will coordinate a team of 2-3 PhD candidates and initiate grant applications.

Tasks and Responsibilities

As Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will:

• Collaborate with researchers, domain experts and stakeholders from industry to translate real-world use cases into clear research questions.
• Develop and manage demonstrator research projects for energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology (neuromorphic computing) in close collaboration with the demonstrator PhD students’ supervisors.
• Consolidate the scientific expertise within CogniGron and connect to relevant national and international knowledge partners.
• Together with companies, explore funding opportunities and grants, contributing substantively to new PhD research proposals, with the CogniGron program office providing process support. 

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We conduct fundamental and applied research on self-learning materials and systems for the next generation of computer chips. Inspired by the human brain, we develop chips that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current models. Our goal is to create a blueprint for “future-proof computing” by demonstrating real-world solutions in different application domains. These solutions will successfully address the current challenges in computing and data processing in terms of energy consumption, autonomy, latency and privacy. CogniGron offers a vibrant research environment with many opportunities to meet, interact and collaborate with experts in AI, computer science, material science, mathematics, electrical engineering and robotics.

Selection process organisation

A first round of evaluation of submitted applications, round of interviews, and filling of  one of the positions might take place at the end of June/beginning of July (depending on the number and fit of the applications received by 28th of June). Applications are  welcome up till the final closing date. All further interviews are expected to occur in August/September. When scheduling interviews, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.