PhD Position in Systems and Control Theory for Energy-based Learning
Solliciteer nuPhD Position in Systems and Control Theory for Energy-based Learning
Are you excited about developing new mathematical foundations for energy-efficient computing? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of systems and control theory, optimization, circuit theory, and neuromorphic computing?
The University of Groningen is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on a fundamental research project on systems and control theory for learning in neuromorphic circuits. Neuromorphic computing is an analog, brain-inspired computing paradigm with the potential to drastically reduce energy consumption while enabling faster inference than conventional digital architectures. A major challenge, however, is the development and analysis of dedicated algorithms for training analog circuits directly from data.
In this PhD project, you will develop a novel system-theoretic framework for learning in analog circuits and dissipative networks. We will view learning as a feedback interconnection of continuous-time (circuit) dynamics and an optimization algorithm. The key idea is to develop algorithms that minimise cost functions inspired by notions of energy, leading to highly efficient, local learning rules.
PhD Position in Systems and Control Theory for Energy-based Learning
Solliciteer nu
What are you going to do?
As a PhD candidate, you will develop mathematical theory for learning in nonlinear and dynamic circuits. Building on preliminary results for resistive circuits, you will study circuits containing memristive and capacitive elements, as well as more general dissipative networks. The project combines systems and control theory, circuit theory, optimization, and machine learning, with the ultimate goal of advancing the mathematical foundations of physics-based learning.
Your responsibilities include:
- Developing a system-theoretic framework that models learning as the feedback interconnection between continuous-time circuit dynamics and optimization algorithms.
- Designing novel energy-based learning algorithms for training analog circuits directly from input-output data.
- Developing fully decentralised learning rules that rely on local circuit information and are suitable for large-scale systems.
- Establishing rigorous theoretical guarantees for convergence and scalability of the proposed learning algorithms.
- Extending the theory from analog circuits to more general dissipative networks.
- Testing and validating the developed methods.
- Publishing research findings in leading international journals and conferences and presenting your work at scientific meetings.
- Contributing to teaching activities and supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students where appropriate.
Who are you?
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who enjoys solving challenging problems and working in an international research environment.
You should have:
- A Master’s degree in Systems and Control, (Applied) Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- A strong mathematical background and an interest in conducting theoretical research.
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Strong analytical abilities, creativity, persistence, and the ability to collaborate effectively.
- Familiarity with circuit theory, networked systems, machine learning, or neuromorphic computing is considered an advantage, but is not required.
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.204 up to a maximum of € 4.051 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities: a salary of € 3,204 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 4,051 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% year-end bonus Teaching: employed PhD candidates are expected to spend 10% of their working hours on teaching a full-time position (1.0 FTE). The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
The successful candidate will join the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.
The research will be carried out in the Systems, Control and Optimization Group. Our group is part of the Jan C. Willems Center for Systems and Control that unites the different control groups in Groningen. This is a leading center (ranked first in the EU (fourth in Europe) according to the 2024 Shanghai Ranking). The successful candidate will benefit from connections within the center, as well as regular seminars, joint group meetings, and interaction with other PhD students and postdocs in a lively and supportive environment.
The PhD project is embedded within the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project “Energy-based learning of complex dynamical systems” (E-BLOCS), led by Dr. Henk van Waarde. The PhD student will actively work together with the other members of the project, and also has many opportunities for international collaboration, research visits, and interdisciplinary training.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
● Motivation letter (1-2 pages)
● Curriculum Vitae
● Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc)
● Contact details of two academic references
● Copy of MSc thesis (or a representative publication, if available)
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Henk van Waarde
Assistant Professor
H.J.van.Waarde@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Henk van Waarde
Assistant Professor
H.J.van.Waarde@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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