Two doctoral students in Electrical Engineering with focus on processor platforms for machine learning - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The research topic for the doctoral students is in the design of integrated circuits (ICs), with a focus on accelerators and processors for "beyond von Neumann" architectures. In the Neumann architecture, where the processor and memories are separate entities connected to a data bus, and where computations are executed in a sequential manner, memory accesses are a serious performance barrier for many applications. The project focuses on the development of new data-centric processor architectures, which are of interest for applications in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The projects are funded by the strategic research area ELLIIT (https://elliit.se/) and by the Swedish Research Council, and it is expected to collaborate with the EU KDT-JU project REBECCA (Reconfigurable Heterogeneous Highly Parallel Processing Platform for safe and secure AI).

Work duties

The research takes place in the area of design of digital integrated circuits for smart applications on the Edge, or internet-of-things (IoT) devices. Many applications require real-time decision making with low latency and increased data security measures. One technique to remedy performance barriers is the integration of computational logic near the memories that hold the data to be processed. This requires the development of data-centric architectures, referred to as beyond von Neumann architectures. In this study, we propose the use of "near memory computing" (NMC), which has the advantage of being scalable for different ML applications, as well as being technology agnostic, i.e. can be easily ported between different silicon technologies.

The project is financed by ELLIIT and developed in collaboration with Linköping University, the PhD student is expected to present his work at annual meetings.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if the applicant has: 

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc degree in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communications engineering.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in the design and implementation of digital integrated circuits, on FPGA and ASIC.
• Experience in the use and programming of processors, especially RISC-V.
• Good knowledge of integrated circuit design, RTL to GDSII.
• Good knowledge in the realization of machine learning archictures.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following: 

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience. 

Other assessment criteria

• Teaching experience at university level.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).