Research Associate (589592)

Contract Type: Fixed Term (29 months)

Reports to: Dr Anthony Hurtado

Applications are sought for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate position in novel neuromorphic opto-electronic technologies for brain-inspired processing and sensing systems at the edge. The position is based at the Institute of Photonics (IoP, Physics Dept.) at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, UK).

The successful candidate will work with Dr Antonio Hurtado, on the EPSRC-funded project ‘Low-Power, High-Speed, Adaptable Processing-In-Sensing (ProSensing)’, a collaborative programme with partners at Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent Univs. The goal of this project is to design, develop and investigate new opto-electronic technologies for low energy, high-speed systems using light signals to perform brain-inspired sensing and in-sensor processing functionalities. This will involve the design and investigation of photonic-electronic systems using key-enabling elements (e.g. memristors, light-emitting diodes, lasers) for uses in in-sensor processing functions at the edge, e.g. image/video processing, pattern recognition. 

The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art photonic and micro-fabrication labs at Strathclyde. In addition to the design and investigation of neuromorphic optoelectronic systems, the successful candidate will be involved in their experimental characterisation (e.g. speed/energy operation, time analyses) and in the development of training algorithms to ensure their operation in sensing and processing tasks. A background in photonics, electronics, laser/LED systems, experimental analysis of optical/opto-electronic devices/systems, and/or neuromorphic sensing/computing and/or imaging technologies is desirable. A background in the programming and algorithm development for the training of neuromorphic (opto-electronic) systems and neural networks is also desirable.

Institutional training courses in leadership skills are available and the successful candidate will be encouraged to undertake these to further their own career objectives. An ability to communicate research effectively is important and public communication training will also be provided.

The applicant will have the opportunity to work with academic partners (Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent Univs) and stakeholders in defence and national security. The appointed researcher will work closely with these partners with the opportunity for research visits and travel to international conferences.

Our research team, with expertise in basic and applied research in neuromorphic photonics, brain-inspired computing, light-enabled AI and nanophotonics, are a collegiate and welcoming group and we are looking for a candidate who will enjoy working in the dynamic environment at the IoP. We look forward to hearing from candidates with good experimental background and strong oral and written communication skills. Candidates should have an academic or industrial R&D record in photonics or (opto-)electronics and a demonstrable ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo security checks to be carried out by the National Security Technology Innovation Exchange (NSTIx) before being employed.

Whilst a Research Associate is sought for this position, applications from candidates who are close to completing a PhD are also welcome. In such circumstances, appointment will be made at grade 6 level (Research Assistant) and duties and grade will be revised accordingly.

To apply please click on the apply button above.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr Antonio Hurtado, Reader and UKRI Turing AI Acceleration Fellow (antonio.hurtado@strath.ac.uk; +44 (0)141 548 4668).  Further information on the Institute of Photonics can be found at: www.photonics.ac.uk.

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