Postdoctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models

About the Opportunity

Position Overview

Discipline

Engineering

Faculty

Computing Mathematics Engineering and Natural Sciences (CoMENS)

Location

London Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term

12 months

Salary Range

42701 per annum

Reports to

Professor Osvaldo Simeone

Benefits

The university supports staff maintaining a good work-life balance offering: (i) flexible working and parental leaveopportunities; (ii) an employee assistance programme which provides free confidential advice on both home and work concernsaswell asoptional private medical insurance; (iii) season ticket loans; and(iv) beingpart of the cycle-to-work scheme.

Start

February 2026

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models to work with Professor Osvaldo Simeone and Professor Bipin Rajendran. This position is funded under an ARIA grant aimed at democratizing AI via brain-inspired energy-efficient training and adaptation.

The successful candidate will join a research group working on this project to develop theoretically principled energy-efficient and reliability-aware frameworks for next-generation AI with special emphasis on neuromorphic and spiking architectures for language modeling. Key application domains include edge intelligence low-power autonomous systems and communication networks.

The candidate will contribute to research on:

• Efficient fine-tuning of spiking / neuromorphic language models: sparse updates weight quantization modulatory adaptation and task-dependent reconfiguration.
• Neuromorphic hardwaresoftware co-design including simulation and prototyping of energy-aware spiking systems for scalable inference and adaptation.

• Publishing results in leading journals and conferences in machine learning information theory and quantum information.
• Presenting research findings at project meetings workshops and international symposia.
• Supporting the supervision and mentoring of PhD students and research assistants within the group.
• Contributing to the preparation of project deliverables reports and future funding proposals.

We particularly encourage applications from those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education.

About the Faculty

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) at Northeastern University London focuses on advancing next-generation wireless systems and intelligent connectivity. Building on WIoTs global research leadership the London campus brings together expertise in AI neuromorphic computing and wireless communications to explore transformative technologies for 6G and beyond. The institute fosters close collaboration with industry and academia providing an interdisciplinary environment for innovation hardware prototyping and impactful real-worldresearch.

The Faculty of Computing Mathematics Engineering and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes in the areas of Data Science Data Science and Politics Computer Science and Business and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programs in the areas of AI Ethics Data Science Computer Science and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI Data Science Digital and Technology Solutions and Biosciences.

The faculty plays a major part in Northeastern Universitys first-year student mobility program offering undergraduate courses in Computer and Data Science Mathematics Engineering Physics Biology Chemistry and Healthcare striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role the following should apply should you not have the experience below please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in Electrical Engineering Computer Science or a related field.

Key Criteria

• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling algorithm design or theoretical analysis of learning systems.
• Proficiency in Python
• Demonstrated ability to plan execute and publish research
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Osvaldo Simeone (). However all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship. Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.

Position Type

Additional Information

They can be reached at the following:

However all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process

Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job postings end date (if applicable).

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged but voluntary.

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staffs own wellbeing for part time roles the expectation is if you have multiple roles they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week) and for full time roles the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles).

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.