‘MINDnet’ Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidates (DC1 & DC2) (792608)

The Neuromorphic Photonics and Neurotechnologies groups at the Institute of Photonics (IoP) at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK) are seeking two PhD Doctoral Candidates (DC1 and DC2) to carry out research in neuromorphic photonic‑electronic integrated circuits for brain‑inspired information processing and sensing (DC1) and in the development of efficient learning algorithms for closed‑loop optogenetic control of neural circuits (DC2).

The appointed DCs will participate in an international research team as part of the EU‑funded Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network “Neuromorphic computing and signal processing training network (MINDnet)”. The PhD projects (DC1 and DC2) will take place at Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics (IoP, Physics Dept.). Apart from the time at Strathclyde’s IoP there will be secondments of minimum 3 months at the sites of other European partners in the project. There will also be regular meetings with the other PhD students in the doctoral network, including training schools and workshops.

The PhD student will become part of the teams of Prof. Antonio Hurtado and Prof. Keith Mathieson (main supervisors of the PhD projects) at Strathclyde’s IoP. The activities within the PhD projects will benefit from synergies with other programmes in our groups as well as with other activities at the IoP and the wider Physics Dept. at Strathclyde.

MINDnet brings together leading academic institutions and industry stakeholders, to establish a doctoral training program addressing critical technical challenges and skill shortages for next‑generation neuromorphic computing and analogue signal processing systems. The MINDnet consortium is formed by 7 leading universities, 1 research centre and 2 companies across 8 different European countries, along with a number of associated industry partners across Europe. MINDnet will support a total of 15 doctoral projects (of which 2 PhD projects will take place at Strathclyde’s IoP).

These doctoral projects will focus on cutting‑edge innovations in the overall theme of neuromorphic computing, targeting a wide range of applications across strategic fields, e.g. communications, computing, sensing, geolocalisation, space and biomedical. Through these efforts, MINDnet will not only deepen fundamental theories and algorithms but also provide practical and scalable solutions for future brain‑inspired information processing paradigms built with different hardware technology platforms (e.g. photonics, electronics), thus helping to improve performance, speed, latency, energy efficiency, and applicability of future neuromorphic computing infrastructure.

By fostering cross‑sector/cross‑border collaboration in neuromorphic technologies, MINDnet will contribute significantly to the Horizon Europe priorities under the Digital, Industry and Space Cluster. The project also directly supports the EU’s Digital Decade goals by driving the development of sustainable information processing hardware, drawing inspiration from the powerful computational capabilities of the brain, to contribute to Europe’s leadership in the digital economy.

MINDnet’s Doctoral Candidates will be guided by leading experts from academia and industry through well‑structured projects, secondments, and training and DC‑cohort activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the doctoral candidates acquire the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required to address real‑world challenges, drive innovation in neuromorphic computing, and develop promising professional careers.

The MINDnet consortium is looking for highly motivated, outstanding doctoral candidates (DCs) with the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute to the innovation and technological advancement of Neuromorphic Technologies. The DCs enrolled in the program will have opportunities to work and collaborate with world‑leading researchers from the consortium partners, participate in secondments across academia and industry, and develop a comprehensive skill set through a well‑structured training program and cross‑sector supervision, which will prepare them for successful careers in both academic and industrial environments.

To be considered for the position, candidates are required to have a suitable degree in a relevant field of study for the programme. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree, and must be able to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge in the topics of the programme. Full details of the criteria are given below in the list of essential and desirable criteria.

The MSCA funding of this position has the additional requirement that DCs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary (i.e. the UK for the two Doctoral Candidate positions offered at Strathclyde as part of MINDnet) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

Formal interviews for this post will be held in late April 2026.