Postdoctoral Research Associate Position in Neuromorphic Accelerators

Position Overview

Discipline: Engineering

Faculty: Institute for Intelligent Networked Systems (INSI)

Location: London, Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term

1.5 years, fixed term, full-time

Direct Reports

Reports to: Professor Bipin Rajendran

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: September 2026

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Neuromorphic Accelerators to work with Professor Bipin Rajendran as part of the NeuroWare Neuromorphic Computing Hardware Semiconductor IKC.

The successful candidate will work on the design, implementation and validation of hardware accelerators for state-of-the-art AI models based on neuromorphic computing and In-Memory Computing (IMC) principles for applications in enterprise, IoT and Networked Systems.

Core duties include:

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of neuromorphic and in-memory hardware accelerators for training and inference of state-of-the-art AI models.
• Develop algorithms, architectures, and hardware–software co-design methodologies for energy-efficient AI computation on neuromorphic and in-memory computing (IMC) platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams spanning hardware design, AI/ML algorithms, information theory, and systems software to enable end-to-end system integration and validation.
• Publish high-quality research outcomes in leading journals and conferences in neuromorphic computing, AI hardware, and computer architecture.
• Support the supervision and mentoring of PhD and MSc students within the research group.
• Engage with industrial and academic collaborators to support joint research activities, technology transfer, and translational impact.
• Contribute to project management activities, including technical reporting, proposal development, and dissemination of research outcomes.

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

About the Institute

The Intelligent Networked Systems Institute (INSI) at NU London is a newly established transatlantic research hub focused on next-generation connectivity and intelligent computing and learning systems. The INSI London Hub acts as a bridge between the US and Europe, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration across continents. INSI is dedicated to addressing pressing challenges in telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum information, and information processing—all with the objective of creating a more efficient, connected, and secure world.

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 in Computer Science, Electronics or Computer Engineering or related quantitative field.

Key Criteria

• Strong publication record in neuromorphic hardware design demonstrated through publications in leading conferences and/or journals, with expertise extending beyond materials and device optimisation toward system- and architecture-level innovation.
• Experience in the simulation, implementation, and validation of large-scale machine learning models, including probabilistic, neuromorphic, Transformer, and/or state-space models.
• Experience with ASIC and/or FPGA design, hardware prototyping, and tapeout workflows for emerging AI hardware systems.
• Experience in hardware–software co-design approaches aimed at mitigating, exploiting, or adapting to the non-ideal effects and variability of nanoscale devices.
• Effective communication (oral and written) skills, ability to write research reports and papers in style accessible to academic audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team on research programmes

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Bipin Rajendran (b.rajendran@nulondon.ac.uk). 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 on 14 August 2026. Please reference your application “R141061”.

Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.

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.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

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.