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PhD position on Smart Materials for Information Processing

Are you interested in a job at the interface of machine learning and device physics to contribute to a new generation of energy-efficient hardware for artificial intelligence? We are looking for you!

Apply now
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Britt Büter
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Eline Meijerink
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Clara Stegehuis
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Jeroen Blok
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Stefano Stramigioli
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Kuan Chen
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Ying Wang

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,901 - € 3,707
  • Deadline
    30 Jul 2025

This position is part of the NWO KIC Smart Materials project, Smart Materials for Information Processing, in collaboration with the Interfaces and Correlated Electronics (ICE) group at the University of Twente and the Infomatter group at AMOLF. The SMIP project aims at revolutionising computing by developing adaptive, smart materials that combine memory and learning directly within their structure, uniting theory and experiment.  These materials adapt their computations over time, reducing energy use and improving efficiency. Partnering with Toyota and Demcon TSST, SMIP will showcase this innovation through a fuel-cell management prototype, achieving better performance and durability.

In 2020, we introduced the concept of reconfigurable nonlinear processing units (RNPUs, [Nature 577, 341-345, 2020[(https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1901-0). In this PhD project, you will work on the development of efficient machine learning procedures to be applied to RNPU networks in combination with memristive materials and applying the theoretical hysteron concept.

Your profile

  • You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic student;
  • You have a MSc degree in the field of (semiconductor) physics, electrical engineering or similar with an affinity for machine learning;
  • You are an independent and original thinker with a creative mindset;
  • You are a fast thinker with excellent analytical and communication skills;
  • You have good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment;
  • You are experienced with Python and Pytorch;
  • You are fluent in English.

Our offer

  • A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.901 (first year) to € 3.707 (fourth year).
  • There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School, where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before July 31st 2025, and include:

The first round of interviews will be held on September 1, 2025.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Wilfred G. van der Wiel via the following email address: W.G.vanderWiel@utwente.nl.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

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About the department

You will be working in the NanoElectronics Group of Prof. Van der Wiel. The NanoElectronics Group (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nanoelectronics, comprising the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nanoregime. It is our mission to excel in the field of nanoelectronics through the development of novel (concepts for) electronic devices and systems with nanoscale dimensions for application in future generations of electronics and information storage. In particular, we focus on neuromorphic electronics, quantum (spin) electronics, 2D electronic systems and acousto-electronics. The NanoElectronics Group is a founding member of BRAINS, the Centre for Brain-Inspired Computing at the University of Twente.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Wiel, W.G. van der (Wilfred)

Wiel, W.G. van der (Wilfred)
Full Professor of Nano Electronics, Director Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems (BRAINS)

Wiel, W.G. van der (Wilfred)
Full Professor of Nano Electronics, Director Center for Brain-Inspired Nano Systems (BRAINS)

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Wilfred for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the faculty EEMCS

Curious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

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