AI / Neuromorphic Researcher

Imec Netherlands has established a world-leading track record on the design of novel sensors for human health applications and ultra-low-power IoT devices in general. For instance, our teams continue to develop innovations in implantable therapeutics, medical/wearable devices, environmental monitoring, accurate localization, and many other fields. At our HQ in Leuven, Belgium we are world-renowned for pioneering new process technologies in collaboration with industrial foundries and with the broader semiconductor ecosystem. Imec’s research tracks enable unique opportunities for end-to-end innovations.

The IC-design team in imec Netherlands develops innovative solutions for the Life Science and Medical Device domain and on the other hand for massive and heterogeneous sensor networks to connect billions of devices within the internet of things (IoT). We have built various ultra-low-power (ULP) radio ICs like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-LE, and a UWB 6-10 GHz radio tuned towards precise ranging and localization (~6 cm). Besides, we deliver our designs to customers, patent the different inventions, and publish our results in renowned conferences and papers (ISSCC, RFIC, DATE, JSSC, etc.).

As an AI / Neuromorphic Researcher you will take the lead in a multi-disciplinary team to make our solutions smarter by adding AI / Neuromorphic circuits, use RF circuits for sensing solutions, and AI / Neuromorphic systems for IoT.

What you will do:

As a researcher, you will take part in the development of the next generation of AI solutions. Your primary responsibility will be prototyping AI enablement for robotics and automotive applications using neural network algorithms. You combine the achievements from imec technology research (ICs and sensors) with state-of-the-art components. Apart from designing embedded prototypes, you conduct research in new neural network architectures in close collaboration with the IC design team. You collect the requirements from various stakeholders and build an algorithm solution. You will aid the development of new IC architectures. You will demonstrate these new designs and concepts in compelling demonstrators.

Your responsibilities as an AI / Neuromorphic Researcher include:

• Experiment with neuromorphic principles to improve the energy and/or latency efficiency of edge AI processing, and integrate them in models, algorithms, and system architectures.
• Develop novel algorithms for model compactness, efficient mapping, and/or adaptation post-deployment to improve the resource efficiency and performance of edge AI processing.
• Port ideas of neuromorphic sensing and communication in imec’s sensor solutions to improve the data-efficiency, communication-efficiency and duty cycling.
• Engage in algorithm-hardware co-design by investigating and deriving architectural improvements, optimizations, and new features for imec’s AI accelerators and sensor solutions.
• Develop and evaluate prototypes of novel and efficient neural algorithms on CTOS (GPU, DPU, TPU, etc.) and on imec’s new Neuromorphic IC’s.
• Publish research outputs and new ideas in high impact journals and conferences.
• Contribute to project proposals for acquisition of national and EU funding.
• Collaborate and provide support to other teams at imec about promoting/integrating edge-AI/neuromorphic solutions in their workflows or products.
• Interact with customers and (academic) partners as a technical interface for existing and new collaborations.
• Actively contribute to the evolution of imec’s AI / Neuromorphic roadmap.

What we do for you:

As an AI / Neuromorphic Researcher at imec the Netherlands you get the chance to scale future computing beyond what is possible with silicon CMOS. In collaboration with your colleagues, you will work on a number of challenges to the design of efficient (brain-like) chips: scalable, energy-efficient, highly flexible network architectures that can learn with incredible efficiency.

Imec The Netherlands, as an employer of choice, offers you an attractive compensation and benefits package including a 100% employer-paid pension plan and flexible working hours. Furthermore, imec-NL offers a wide range of training possibilities. For international candidates, we provide support in the relocation process.

Who you are:

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Neuroscience, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 4+ years of industry/academic experience in neural networks and/or Neuromorphic designs.
• Proven experience in actively building demonstrators/prototypes and adapting neural algorithms to improve performance.
• Solid experience with neural network design with Pytorch / Tensorflow or any other neural network library.
• Understanding of AI/neural network/Neuromorphic HW architectures is a must.
• Experience in programming (C and C++) and scripting languages (Python, Bash).
• Experience in simulating and comparing different real time neural network architectures or digital processor designs is preferred.
• Experience in sensor fusion applications is preferred.
• A hands-on and exploratory attitude, which means taking initiative, thinking proactively, having a flexible approach, and solving problems daily are attributes that define yourself.
• Able to translate new insights into patent applications and publications at peer-reviewed conferences and journals.
• Team player with good communication skills and the ability to translate ideas to colleagues with multidisciplinary backgrounds.
• Good communication skills in English.