PhD Studentship in Computer Architecture and Compilers

One fully funded PhD position to work with Dr Jianyi Cheng at the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, on a project titled “Memory Optimisation for Distributed ML Systems”.

The aim of this project is to develop techniques that automatically map emerging models onto efficient spatial systems.

• Strong motivation to learn and explore new concepts and technologies relevant to the project
• Experiences of accelerator System Programming, such as CUDA or SGLang
• A good Bachelor’s Hons degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Master’s degree in a relevant subject (physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or related subject)
• Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• Knowledge of compilers or ML systems is highly desirable

The studentship covers:

• For this opportunity we welcome applications from applicants from around the world
• Full time PhD tuition fees for a student with a Home fee status (£6,300 per annum) or overseas fee status (£34,800 per annum)
• A tax free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27, increases annually) for 3.5 years 

Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme: PhD in ICSA with a start date of 1 September 2026.

Applicants should state “Memory Optimisation for Distributed ML Systems” in the ‘Research Topic’ section of the application form, and the research supervisor (Dr Jianyi Cheng) in the ‘Proposed Supervisor’ section. Failure to do so may affect our ability to consider you for this position.

Complete applications submitted by 1 June 2026 will receive full consideration; after that date applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is 1 September 2026 but later start dates can be considered.

Applicants must submit (as uploaded documents):

• All degree transcripts and certificates (and certified translations if applicable)
• Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable)
• A short research proposal (max 2 pages)
• A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests (max 2 pages)
• Two references or the contact details (professional emails) of their referees

Only complete applications (i.e. those that are not missing the above documentation) will progress forward to Academic Selectors for further consideration. 

The School of Informatics is one of the largest in Europe and currently the top Informatics institute in the UK for research power, with 40% of its research outputs considered world-leading (top grade), and almost 50% considered top grade for societal impact. The University of Edinburgh is constantly ranked among the world’s top universities and is a highly international environment with several centres of excellence.