Postdoctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models

Location: London, Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term: 12 months

Reports to: Professor Osvaldo Simeone

Benefits: The university supports staff maintaining a good work-life balance, offering: (i) flexible working and parental leave opportunities; (ii) an employee assistance programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns, as well as optional private medical insurance; (iii) season ticket loans; and (iv) being part of the cycle-to-work scheme.

Start: February 2026

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Efficient Fine-Tuning Algorithms for Neuromorphic Language Models to work with Professor Osvaldo Simeone and Professor Bipin Rajendran. This position is funded under an ARIA grant aimed at democratizing AI via brain-inspired, energy-efficient training and adaptation.

The successful candidate will join a research group working on this project to develop theoretically principled, energy-efficient, and reliability-aware frameworks for next-generation AI, with special emphasis on neuromorphic and spiking architectures for language modeling. Key application domains include edge intelligence, low-power autonomous systems, and communication networks.

The candidate will contribute to research on:

• Efficient fine-tuning of spiking / neuromorphic language models: sparse updates, weight quantization, modulatory adaptation, and task-dependent reconfiguration.
• Neuromorphic hardware–software co-design, including simulation and prototyping of energy-aware spiking systems for scalable inference and adaptation.
• Publishing results in leading journals and conferences in machine learning, information theory, and quantum information.
• Presenting research findings at project meetings, workshops, and international symposia.
• Supporting the supervision and mentoring of PhD students and research assistants within the group.
• Contributing to the preparation of project deliverables, reports, and future funding proposals.

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

About the Faculty

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) at Northeastern University London focuses on advancing next-generation wireless systems and intelligent connectivity. Building on WIoT’s global research leadership, the London campus brings together expertise in AI, neuromorphic computing, and wireless communications to explore transformative technologies for 6G and beyond. The institute fosters close collaboration with industry and academia, providing an interdisciplinary environment for innovation, hardware prototyping, and impactful real-world research.

The Faculty of Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes in the areas of Data Science, Data Science and Politics, Computer Science and Business, and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programs in the areas of AI Ethics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI, Data Science, Digital and Technology Solutions, and Biosciences.

The faculty plays a major part in Northeastern University’s first-year student mobility program, offering undergraduate courses in Computer and Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Healthcare, striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

About the University

Founded in 2012, Northeastern University London (formerly known as New College of the Humanities) has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. Northeastern University London is part of Northeastern University’s Global Campus Network. Positioned as top ranking in the USA, Northeastern has campuses in Arlington, Boston, Charlotte, Miami, Oakland, San Jose, and Seattle in the USA, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, the University has undergone a period of rapid growth, having been granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers in February 2020 and moved to a new, state-of-the-art campus in 2021.

Northeastern University London offers a vibrant, collegiate community delivering broad and academically rigorous degree programmes, designed to equip graduates with the combination of skills and knowledge that are increasingly desired by organisations, employers, and society. It offers state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces across the organisation.

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, or equivalent professional experience, in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Key Criteria

• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling, algorithm design, or theoretical analysis of learning systems.
• Proficiency in Python
• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and publish research
• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Osvaldo Simeone (o.simeone@northeastern.edu). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

Applications should be made via the 'Apply' button above by 23:59 by 07 January 2026. Please reference your application “R137718”. Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role.

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 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.