Demonstrator Program Neuromorphic Computing

As Research Lead in the Demonstrator Program you will develop and execute demonstrator programs that connect industry challenges to CogniGron's neuromorphic computing research, focusing on tangible prototypes and proofs of concept and translating fundamental research into marketable energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology. The demonstrator program is part of the NWO-funded national long-term "10x-Factor(y)" program.

• MSc or PhD in a relevant field with demonstrable research experience aligned with CogniGrons research lines; experience with demonstrator or valorization projects is preferred.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and/or business development.
• Experience in project coordination, preferably in academic industry collaborative projects.
• Excellent interdisciplinary communication skills.
• A relevant (inter)national network or the ability to quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
• Preferably experience supervising junior researchers and students.

• Lead interactions with companies and stakeholders and translate real-world use cases into clear research questions.
• Set up, develop and manage demonstrator research projects in a co-design process with industry and PhD supervisors, delivering prototypes and proofs of concept.
• Coordinate project management towards demonstrators, including coordinating a team of PhD candidates and promoting translation of fundamental knowledge into energy-efficient neuromorphic technology.
• Consolidate CogniGron's scientific expertise and connect to relevant national and international knowledge partners.
• Explore funding opportunities with companies and contribute substantively to new PhD research proposals, with support from the CogniGron program office.

Employment in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities. Benefits include 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek) and the possibility to work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance. Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development. Initial appointment of 1.0 FTE for one year, with the possibility of extension as part of a multi-year project.

The University of Groningen (Faculty of Science and Engineering) is an open academic community focused on interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, government and society. CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the faculty that conducts fundamental and applied research on self-learning materials and systems for next-generation computer chips. Inspired by the human brain, CogniGron develops energy-efficient, brain-inspired chips that can be orders of magnitude more efficient than current models, and aims to create blueprints for future-proof computing by demonstrating real-world solutions addressing energy, autonomy, latency and privacy challenges. CogniGron offers a vibrant research environment with experts in AI, computer science, material science, mathematics, electrical engineering and robotics.