Post-Doc Position in upscaling molecular devices forbrain-inspired computing

Our brains are incredibly energy efficient and can process incredible amounts of data a million times more energy efficient than the best supercomputers. Therefore, there is now a global wide effort to develop neuromorphic devices for energy efficient computing enabling new technologies and to reduce energy consumption to combat climate change. Inspired by our own molecular “supercomputer”, our brains, the aim of this project is to upscale artificial neural networks based on molecule-polymer hybrid devices. The molecular hybrid structures exploit the dynamical behavior of such systems needed to create devices tailored for spike-timing dependent computing. The challenge will be to develop fabrication methods that preserve the molecule polymer hybrid structures and their dynamical properties. The goal is fabricate large arrays of junctions and to study the energy efficiency of these artificial neural networks.

The fully financed position is available at the University of Twente (UT), The Netherlands, within the Faculty of Science and Technology in the Nijhuis group of Hybrid Materials for OptoElectronics (HMOE). At the UT you are part of the unparalleled possibilities at MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Molecules Center and BRAINS (Center for Brain-Inspired NanoSytems).

Requirements:

• You have a MSc degree in chemical engineering, nanotechnology, micro/nanofabrication, or physical chemistry, or similar.
• You have demonstrated experience in cleanroom-based fabrication techniques, bottom-up fabrication, electrical measurements, surface characterization (including optical microscopy).
• You have affinity with neuromorphic electronics, information processing.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

Salary Benefits:

• A full-time position for two years.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.858,- to € 5.278,- (salary scale 10) based on education and work experience.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

38 - 40 hours per week

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