PhD in Hardware Architectures for Physics-Informed AI

Are you passionate about combining artificial intelligence physics-based modelling and digital hardware design Do you want to develop the next generation of FPGA/ASIC-based computing platforms that make physics-informed AI fast efficient and deployable in real-world mission-critical sensing systems

Physics-informed AI is emerging as a powerful alternative to purely data-driven machine learning. By incorporating physical models domain knowledge and optimization algorithms directly into learning systems physics-informed AI can achieve higher accuracy better generalization greater interpretability and significantly reduced training-data requirements. Despite these advantages many physics-informed AI methods remain computationally demanding and are often developed without considering efficient hardware implementation.

In this PhD project you will investigate novel hardware architectures for physics-informed AI models with a focus on FPGA/ASIC-based acceleration and edge deployment. The research will explore how hybrid model-based and learning-based algorithms can be mapped efficiently onto reconfigurable hardware platforms enabling real-time operation in scientific industrial and sensing applications. You will be part of a multidisciplinary collaboration with the EE department and you will contribute to the NWO OTP project Detection of Hidden Cash using Physics-Based AI through algorithm development hardware architecture design and hardware-software co-design and you will have opportunities to contribute to both fundamental research and practical demonstrators.

One of the project goals is to build a real-time demonstrator of counterfeit cash detection using Physics-Infused Deep Unfolding (PIDU) in collaboration with project stakeholders like Smiths Detection Sioux Technologies and the Dutch Customs. While PIDU will serve as an important research vehicle the PhD will not be limited to this framework. The broader objective is to develop design methodologies and hardware architectures applicable to a wide range of physics-informed AI techniques including deep unfolding model-based learning hybrid optimization-learning methods and physics-informed neural networks.

• A masters degree (or an equivalent university degree in Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Embedded Systems Computer Science or a related field).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC development and hardware description languages.
• Experience with machine learning signal processing and AI accelerators.
• Programming experience in Python and/or C/C.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme paid pregnancy and maternity leave partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale P (min. 3204 - max. 4051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee you participate in the ABP pension scheme providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure and on-campus childrens day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp providing you and your family with mental health support expert guidance and online training.
• An allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven a worldleading tech region with more than 7000 hightech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI photonics semiconductors and advanced manufacturing Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the prospective PhD supervisor Prof. Alexios Balatsoukas Stimming ().

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.