Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Neuromorphic Accelerators

About the Opportunity

The university supports staff maintaining a good work-life balance, offering:

• Flexible working and parental leave opportunities;
• An employee assistance programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns, as well as optional private medical insurance;
• Season ticket loans;
• Being part of the cycle-to-work scheme.

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Neuromorphic Accelerators to work with Professor Bipin Rajendran as part of the NeuroWare Neuromorphic Computing Hardware Semiconductor IKC. The successful candidate will work on the design, implementation and validation of hardware accelerators for state-of-the-art AI models based on neuromorphic computing and In-Memory Computing (IMC) principles for applications in enterprise, IoT and Networked Systems.

Core duties include:

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of neuromorphic and in-memory hardware accelerators for training and inference of state-of-the-art AI models.
• Develop algorithms, architectures, and hardware–software co-design methodologies for energy-efficient AI computation on neuromorphic and in-memory computing (IMC) platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams spanning hardware design, AI/ML algorithms, information theory, and systems software to enable end-to-end system integration and validation.
• Publish high-quality research outcomes in leading journals and conferences in neuromorphic computing, AI hardware, and computer architecture.
• Support the supervision and mentoring of PhD and MSc students within the research group.
• Engage with industrial and academic collaborators to support joint research activities, technology transfer, and translational impact.
• Contribute to project management activities, including technical reporting, proposal development, and dissemination of research outcomes.

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

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 in Computer Science, Electronics or Computer Engineering or related quantitative field.
• Key Criteria:
• Strong publication record in neuromorphic hardware design demonstrated through publications in leading conferences and/or journals, with expertise extending beyond materials and device optimisation toward system- and architecture-level innovation.
• Experience in the simulation, implementation, and validation of large-scale machine learning models, including probabilistic, neuromorphic, Transformer, and/or state-space models.
• Experience with ASIC and/or FPGA design, hardware prototyping, and tapeout workflows for emerging AI hardware systems.
• Experience in hardware–software co-design approaches aimed at mitigating, exploiting, or adapting to the non-ideal effects and variability of nanoscale devices.
• Effective communication (oral and written) skills, ability to write research reports and papers in style accessible to academic audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on research programmes.

Additional Information

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Bipin Rajendran (b.rajendran@nulondon.ac.uk). 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.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. 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.

About the University: Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences.

Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).
• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
• Support with private medical insurance.
• Eye test reimbursement.
• Cycle Scheme vouchers.
• 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to: Bipin Rajendran. They can be reached at the following: b.rajendran@northeastern.edu. 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 posting's 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 staff’s 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.