PhD position on Neuromorphic Quantum-Inspired Optimisation and Simulation
Are you interested in a job at the interface of quantum physics and brain-inspired computing to contribute to a new generation of energy-efficient hardware? If you have an MSc with a background in (semiconductor) physics, electrical engineering or machine learning, you may want to apply for this PhD student project within the EU project Neuromorphic Quantum-Inspired Optimisation and Simulation (NEQIOS).
This position is part of the European EIC Pathfinder Open project Neuromorphic Quantum-Inspired Optimisation and Simulation (NEQIOS) together with companies IBM and Enlightra and universities Oxford, Heidelberg and Radboud. NEQIOS aims to create a new class of brain-inspired (or “neuromorphic”) computing platforms capable of efficiently tackling some of the most challenging computational problems in science and industry, underpinning applications ranging from materials discovery and quantum chemistry to logistics, energy systems, and AI-driven optimization. These problems are widely regarded as the natural domain of quantum computers, yet they remain extremely demanding for both classical digital computers and current quantum technologies, motivating the need for a powerful and practical alternative.
In 2020 we introduced the concept of reconfigurable nonlinear processing units: RNPUs, Nature 577, 341-345, 2020. In this PhD project you will work on applying RNPU networks for solving computational problems that are considered hard.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 31, 2026, and include:
- CV
- Publication list
- Short motivation letter
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Wilfred G. van der Wiel (W.G.vanderWiel@utwente.nl).
Screening is part of the selection process.
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 Center 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?
