Research Fellow/ Senior Research Fellow in AI Hardware (1267820PN)

The Centre for Electronics Frontiers (CEF) at the University of Southampton is a dynamic interdisciplinary Centre that delivers novel solutions for advanced sensory systems, energy technologies and unconventional computing architectures. Our team encompasses diverse expertise ranging from materials process development to electronic devices, circuits and systems. This knowledge combined with our state-of-art facilities and strong collaborations with industry enables us to off­er unique solutions to real-world problems.

Our ambition is to push the frontiers of electronics through emerging nanotechnologies, disrupting current ways of thinking by innovating advanced energy-efficient Hardware solutions for AI. To realise this vision, we are seeking exceptional candidates to join our team, interested in devoting their passion to addressing some of the challenges we have identified.

This position is affiliated with a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies held by Prof Prodromakis, Director of CEF. You will support the delivery of the vision of this 10-year programme that seeks to exploit the benefits of novel Memristive Technologies for developing Embedded AI Hardware solutions for Lifelong Learning applications. Our aim is to leverage innovations in nanotechnology developed within Southampton’s state-of-art cleanrooms for creating a new electronic fabric that merges memory with computing power while maintaining extreme power efficiency – like the human brain. The appointee will be mainly responsible for developing CMOS/memristors full systems that can sense, recognise, learn and reason, for edge-computing applications. 

This post will specifically involve developing appropriate circuit modules for interfacing, controlling and exploiting novel oxide-based nanoelectronic devices (memristors). Opportunities exist for developing full custom integrated-circuit topologies that will be carried out collaboratively with foundries, CAD tools suppliers and other industrial partners. You will join our highly successful and visible group of researchers in related projects, funded by both EPSRC, EU and charitable Foundations, and will be required to coordinate activities among academic and industrial partners. Throughout this appointment you will interact closely with PhD students for developing novel circuit topologies (analogue, digital and/or mixed), as well as other Postdoctoral Research Fellows that will be responsible for developing the technology and exploiting this in real-world applications.

Applicants should have an MEng/MSc in Electronics, or a closely related subject and a PhD or equivalent qualifications and experience in a relevant area, and have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

Mixed mode circuit designIntegrated Circuits design and testingCAD tools for designing and prototyping integrated circuits Solid-state Electronic systems

Skills in one or more of the following areas are desirable:

In-memory computingIn silico Machine LearningNeuromorphic SystemsCAD tools (embedded systems) Skills in developing automated experimental characterization set-ups (e.g. Labview or other Test and Measurement automation software) Circuit simulation and prototypingReRAM instrumentation

There will be some travel involved both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct research, visit collaborators, and attend conferences.

There is one post available and the successful applicant will be appointed as either a level 4 Research Fellow or a Level 5 Senior Research Fellow depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full time fixed term position for two years in the first instance due to funding restrictions.

Applicants must have good communication and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to write up reports for publications.

Further information can be obtained from Prof Themis Prodromakis at email address: t.prodromakis@soton.ac.uk

Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in the Zepler Institute. In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science we were awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze.   We gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities 

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.  This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

*subject to qualifying criteria

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Hannah Farrance (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507. Please quote reference 1267820PN on all correspondence

If you would like more information or have difficulty applying online please contact Mrs Kate Cooley at email address: K.P.Cooley@soton.ac.uk

*Applications for the level 4 Research Fellow position will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Closing Date: 03 Jul 2020
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise