Phd Candidate, Edge Neuromorphic Ai Towards Bio-Signal Processing For Healthcare

Vacancy number 14380

Job type PhD positions

Hours (in fte) 1,0

External/ internal External

Location Leiden

Placed on 12 December 2023

Closing date 1 February 2024 51 more days to apply

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:

PhD Candidate, Edge Neuromorphic AI towards Bio-signal Processing for Healthcare
Vacancy number: 14380

Project description
We are looking for a PhD student to work on Edge Neuromorphic AI hardware and algorithm towards bio-signal Processing for Healthcare applications, including neuromorphic-hardware-aware bio-signal processing, e.g., EEG, EMG, speech, etc., and state-of-the-art neuromorphic AI hardware architecture/processor design, including some emerging hardware technologies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to revolutionize healthcare treatment and rehabilitation, offering substantial benefits to patients and health-conscious individuals. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the neural structure of the human brain, offers a promising avenue for the real-time and low-power processing of complex bio-signals. This approach is particularly advantageous in healthcare, where rapid and efficient processing of bio-signals is crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention. Under the guidance of Qinyu Chen and Todor Stefanov, this position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancements that promise to reshape healthcare.

Key responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, your primary focus will be on developing Edge Neuromorphic hardware architectures and bio-signal processing algorithms for Healthcare devices, like wearables and implants. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting innovative research and developing proof-of-concept designs, collaborating with biosensor providers and healthcare clinics;
• Writing multiple research articles, collectively forming the foundational content for your PhD thesis to attain a PhD degree (dr.) at Leiden University;
• Actively participating in the Leiden Graduate School of Science's education and supervision programs;
• Assisting in teaching and supervising Bachelor's and Master's thesis projects, contributing to academic excellence at Leiden University;
• Assist in relevant teaching activities;

This role offers an opportunity to drive forward groundbreaking research while enhancing your teaching and supervisory skills in a dynamic academic environment.

Selection Criteria
We are seeking a highly motivated university graduate with a proven track record in education and research. The applicant is expected to have:

• A MSc or equivalent degree in Microelectronics, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a similar field;
• Expertise through your field of study in particular in deep learning, neuromorphic engineering, signal processing, neuroscience, digital/analog hardware design, embedded systems;
• Proficiency in deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch) and programming skills (Verilog, python, C++, etc.); experience in FPGA and ASIC design flow.
• A collaborative spirit for teamwork within diverse project groups.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and creative thinking;
• Fluency in the English, both written and spoken.

This role is for someone eager to innovate and excel in a pioneering research environment.

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://workingat.leiden.edu/

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://www.cs.leiden.edu

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time 1-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.770, - to € 3.539, - gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

D&I statement
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.

Information
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Qinyu Chen email: q.chen@liacs.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Anne-Marie Alleblas, email: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl.

Applications
Please submit online your application via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

• Curriculum Vitae,
• Letter of Motivation,
• MSc diploma with transcripts (courses + grades),
• The names of two references who can be contacted for shortlisted candidates.

Only applications received before February 1, 2024 can be considered.