PhD Position - Event-based Dynamics for Latent Reasoning (as part of a new MSCA Doctoral Network

PhD Position - Event-based Dynamics for Latent Reasoning (as part of a new MSCA Doctoral Network “ELEVATE”)

The Peter Grünberg Institute - Neuromorphic Software Ecosystems (PGI-15) led by Prof. Dr. Emre Neftci explores neuromorphic computing technologies that learn and work like the brain. Our research team designs computing algorithms and architectures from the perspective of neuroscience and their physical realizations in dedicated circuits and devices. Applications of our research are targeted to improve computing in computer vision, autonomous control, data processing in mobile devices, and scientific data analysis.

Your Job

Latent reasoning is a versatile and powerful method for problem solving where computations are adaptively unrolled along depth at test-time. However, current models for latent reasoning are computationally expensive, memory-inefficient and difficult to train. This project will investigate principles to improve on these challenges, namely through event-driven methods and control theory for dedicated implementations of latent reasoning. These investigations will be grounded in hardware through co-design of neuromorphic hardware to improve accuracy, latency, data efficiency, and energy consumption on complex algorithmic or cognitive tasks. This project is part of the ELEVATE MSCA Doctoral Network (https://www.elevate-dn.eu/) and co-supervised by our partners at the university of Liège.

Your tasks in detail:

• Develop an event-driven learning algorithm for latent reasoning that sparsely updates network state and parameters in complex reasoning scenarios.
• Explore hardware realizations of the proposed latent reasoning algorithms.
• Quantitative comparisons with different hardware backends. Design conventional (GPU-based) deep neural networks for comparison.
• Publish research articles and participate in top international conferences to present your work.
• Complete one internship at the University of Liège and one internship at other ELEVATE partners.
• Participate in yearly retreats organized by the doctoral network and attend weekly meetings at PGI-15.
• Support the dissemination of software tools and concepts.
• Supervise student projects and BSc/MSc theses.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in physics, electrical/electronic engineering, computer science, mathematics, or a related field.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and collaborate on projects.
• Strong coding skills for programming neural networks, machine learning theory and machine learning software frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or JAX).
• Curiosity-driven personality with the ability for creative and analytical thinking across discipline boundaries and abstraction levels.
• Knowledge of integrated circuit design and simulation using Cadence is a plus.
• Very good communication skills in English, both spoken and written ((at least B2/C1 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements

, ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level). PGI-15 offers an English speaking environment, therefore German language skills are not required.

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
• Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Contract: The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website

(pay scale table on page 74 of the PDF download)

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities:

https://go.fzj.de/equality

and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Place of Employment: Aachen

**Start Date:**To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: 31st August 2026

Index number: 2026D-0688

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