Demonstrator Program Neuromorphic Computing

Two Research Lead positions in a demonstrator program for neuromorphic computing, focused on developing and executing demonstrator programs that connect real-world industry challenges with fundamental research.

The role involves leading stakeholder interaction, setting up co-design research projects, and delivering concrete demonstrators such as prototypes and proofs of concept.

• Holds an MSc or PhD in a relevant field with demonstrable research experience aligned with CogniGron's research lines.
• Preferably has experience in demonstrator or valorization projects.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and/or business development.
• Experience in project coordination, preferably in academia–industry collaborative projects.
• Excellent interdisciplinary communication skills.
• Has a relevant (inter)national network or can quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
• Preferably has experience supervising junior researchers and students.

• Maintain close contacts with industry and connect end-user perspectives with research perspectives.
• Translate real-world use cases into clear research questions in collaboration with researchers and domain experts.
• Develop and manage demonstrator research projects for energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology in close collaboration with demonstrator PhD students' supervisors.
• Coordinate a team of PhD candidates (2–3) and manage project activities toward demonstrators using a co-design process.
• Coordinate communication and engagement with companies and other stakeholders.
• Consolidate scientific expertise within CogniGron and connect to relevant national and international knowledge partners.
• Explore funding opportunities and grants together with companies, and contribute substantively to new PhD research proposals.
• Initiate grant applications and contribute to valorization activities, aiming to develop spin-offs arising from the demonstrator program.

• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Appointment for 1.0 FTE for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension as this is a multiple-year project.
• Flexible arrangement to work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours.

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen, conducting fundamental and applied research on self-learning materials and systems for next-generation computer chips.

Inspired by the human brain, CogniGron develops chips that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current models, aiming to create a blueprint for future-proof computing by demonstrating real-world solutions across application domains.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering provides interdisciplinary teaching and research and collaborates closely with industry, healthcare, and societal partners on challenges such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. The community is open and informal, with opportunities to meet and collaborate with experts in AI, computer science, material science, mathematics, electrical engineering, and robotics.

The demonstrator program will become part of the NWO-funded national long-term program "10x-Factor(y)".