PhD Studentship: Fabrication and Modelling of Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing

Project title: Fabrication and Modelling of Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing

Supervisory Team: Firman Simanjuntak (UoS), Gan Chee Kwan (A*STAR), Harold Chong (UoS)

PhD studentship in Nanoelectronics

The University of Southampton (UoS) is ranked 1^st in electrical and electronic engineering subjects (The Guardian University Guide, UK universities 2023 rankings). Sustainable Electronic Technologies (SET, https://www.set.ecs.soton.ac.uk/), one of the leading research groups in the UK, offers unique solutions to real-world problems by delivering efficient electronics while addressing all aspects of sustainability. In line with this vision, we design a unique PhD project with our research partner Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC, https://www.a-star.edu.sg/ihpc/home) of A*STAR to tackle the challenges in neuromorphic computing. IHPC research focuses are on computing science and AI; computational electronics and photonics, materials science and chemistry.

Project description: This PhD studentship aims at developing memristor artificial synapses for neuromorphic chips and building simulation modelling of their synaptic plasticity. Memristor nanodevices are an emerging nanoelectronic technology capable of mimicking the communication of neurons, through a process called synaptic plasticity. We will train you how to design a massive array of fully functional memristor prototypes and simulate how diffusion and drift of ions/defects could lead to synaptic plasticity. The final objective of this project is to model the impact of materials and electrical parameters on plasticity behaviour.

The experimental part of this project will be conducted in the UoS UK (2 years), and the modelling study will be conducted in A*STAR Singapore (1.5 years).

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Firman Simanjuntak (f.m.simanjuntak@soton.ac.uk) or Dr Gan Chee Kwan (ganck@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg)

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree or an MEng/MSc (or equivalent, or near completion), with at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in Physics, Materials Science, Electronics, Chemistry or a closely related subject. Basic knowledge of nanotechnologies, theoretical modelling, or materials simulations is a must.

Closing date: Applications should be received no later than 1^st May 2023 for admission in September 2023 or 31^st October 2023 for admission in February 2023, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: UoS will cover the tuition fees and provide a stipend of £15,285 tax-free per annum for the first 2 years, and A*STAR will cover a one-time airfare grant of S$1500, one-time settling-in allowance of S$1000, one-time IT allowance of S$800, conference allowance as well as a monthly stipend of S$2700, monthly housing subsidy of S$600, and medical insurance for another 1.5 years of the programme; the student will not need to pay tuition fees while they are in Singapore.

How To Apply

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Elect & Elect Eng (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Firman Simanjuntak

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal (free form, 1 page A4)
• Curriculum Vitae
• At least two reference letters from past supervisors
• Degree Transcripts to date

Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. Click here for information on this and other accepted English language tests

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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