PhD position in Nano-Carbon Neuromorphic circuits for on-body AI

Engineering/it

Published: 2023-12-05

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas – renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as research and education within Life Science, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international workplace with around 150 employees that all contribute to important technical energy and health challenges at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be at the division Solid-State Electronics, at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

The Division conducts cutting-edge research in biosensors and sensor systems for biomedicine and healthcare; medical engineering and neuroprosthetics; nanoelectronics for next-generation (or brain-inspired) computing; energy scavenging and energy-efficiency electronics; advanced thin film technology. Read more here: 

Background
On-body AI refers to the local execution of complex tasks using data obtained by wearable sensors. Unlike traditional AI, which lacks power efficiency, on-body AI requires low power and is subject to size and weight constraints. The on-body AI encompasses low-power electronic devices that generate, process and transmit data. The applications are, namely, monitor of health conditions, restoration of lost motor functions of stroke patients by stimulating muscles, and precise control of prosthetic limbs amputees use. To reach low-power electronic devices for on-body AI, this project aims to explore neuromorphic circuits based on nano-carbon materials, e.g. carbon nanotubes and graphene. 

Project description
The research assigned to the PhD position has a focus on the development of enabling technology for designing and fabricating neuromorphic circuits with bio-plausible spiking performances. The circuits to be designed include building blocks which mimic artificial excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and more complicated ones implementing spiking neural networks. The approach utilizes nano-carbon materials in the circuit design to render spike-driven signalling and computing with tactile and thermal inputs. The project explores a smart method to enable efficient design of neuromorphic circuits.

We have an exciting work environment designed by the doctoral student and the research team together. The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also gives a salary supplement to doctoral students at Department of Electrical Engineering, Uppsala University.

Duties

  • Circuit design for replicating functions of neurons and synapses based on nano-carbon electronics
  • Circuit design to implement spiking neural networks (SNNs) based on nano-carbon electronics
  • Implementation of circuit design using nano-carbon electronic components
  • The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in the research project and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Requirements

  • The applicant must hold a master degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied physics, or electrical engineering.
  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
  • We will put an emphasise in your personal qualities, especially ability to work in teams 

Additional qualifications
Experience in circuit design, carbon nanotube electronics, organic electronics, or similar is beneficial

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Zhibin Zhang, 018-4714146, e-mail zhibin.zhang@angstrom.uu.se. 

Please submit your application by 29th of February, 2024, UFV-PA 2023/4674.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.

Deadline: 2024-02-29 at 23:59
Unit: Engineering/it

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.