PhD position Neuromorphic sensing & control for bionic lower limbs

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PhD

PhD position Neuromorphic sensing & control for bionic lower limbs

Deze vacature is alleen beschikbaar in het Engels

Do you want to play a crucial role in researching and developing new applications for the next generation of computer technology? At CogniGron, a globally recognized research center of the University of Groningen for brain-inspired (neuromorphic) computing, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to conduct research on Adaptive object grasping within our demonstrator programme. The goal of CogniGron’s demonstrator programme is to develop prototypes and proof of concepts that showcase the potential of neuromorphic technologies for solving current challenges in computing.

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Solliciteer uiterlijk: 21 June 2026 23:59 Dutch local time
1 fte
€3.059 - €3.881

PhD position Neuromorphic sensing & control for bionic lower limbs

Solliciteer nu
Afbeelding van het RUG gebouw

What are you going to do?

You will work in the interdisciplinary environment of CogniGron that is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Your project is related to the demonstrator topic of Health monitoring & diagnostics. In this research area, current challenges are the development of ultra-low-power wearables that in the future could use ambient energy harvesting, and the capabilities for on-device processing in order to integrate personalised models and avoid the transfer of sensitive data. In this project, we collaborate with biomedical researchers and other stakeholders to develop prosthetic limbs with faster control and real-time adaptation. The specific goal of this PhD project is to design an AI-based control algorithm for the prosthetic leg and to use piezoelectric sensors tracking the contact points across space and time to predict gait and to integrate fast adaptation.

Why should you consider this position?

  • Collaboration with industry and other external partners: Your research is directly contributing to demonstrating the advantages of neuromorphic technologies for real-world biomedical applications
  • Supporting innovation: You will play a key role in developing new computer technologies that offer significant improvements over current conventional technologies at a research centre that is at the forefront of interdisciplinary neuromorphic computing research.
  • (Inter)national collaboration: You will work within a vibrant, highly international, multidisciplinary and innovative environment with leading researchers and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow PhDs and researchers from various disciplines

Who are you?

You are an enthusiastic, creative and curious researcher with:

  • A Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in (Applied) Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics or another relevant field.
  • Motivation to perform high-quality science that translates into real-world applications for use cases brought in by external partners
  • Demonstrable competence in at least one of the key areas related to the position (e.g. flexible electronics, MEMS/NEMS, sensor design and implementation, analog signal processing, SSN-based learning, neuromorphic engineering)
  • Good analytical and problem-solving abilities, and a critical mindset.
  • Very good written and spoken English, as required for scientific communication.
  • Evidence of well-executed past research projects (e.g., Master thesis, publications, research assistant position).
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international research environment.

What can you expect from us?

  • In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (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.
  • Promovendus: 1 year + 3 year
Afbeelding van het RUG gebouw

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.

De Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) verzorgt onderwijs en onderzoek in een breed spectrum van disciplines, van natuurkunde en biologie tot kunstmatige intelligentie, werktuigbouwkunde en farmacie. We dragen in nauwe samenwerking met partners uit bedrijfsleven, medische wereld en maatschappij bij aan de urgente uitdagingen van onze tijd, zoals energie, duurzaamheid, digitalisering en medische technologie. Onze gemeenschap heeft een open en informeel karakter, met meer dan 7.000 studenten, 1.000 promovendi en 1.400 medewerkers van over de hele wereld. Wil je meer weten over de Faculty of Science and Engineering? Kijk dan op rug.nl/fse.

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. 

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We conduct fundamental and applied research on self-learning materials and systems for the next generation of computer chips. Inspired by the human brain, we develop chips that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current models. Our goal is to create a blueprint for “future-proof computing” by demonstrating real-world solutions in different application domains. These solutions will successfully address the current challenges in computing and data processing in terms of energy consumption, autonomy, latency and privacy. CogniGron offers a vibrant research environment with many opportunities to meet, interact and collaborate with experts in AI, computer science, material science, mathematics, electrical engineering and robotics.

Application procedure

Step 1: Jouw sollicitatie

Nadat je jouw sollicitatie hebt ingediend, ontvang je een bevestiging per mail.

Step 2: Selectie

De selectiecommissie beoordeelt je sollicitatie en laat je zo spoedig mogelijk weten of je wordt uitgenodigd voor een gesprek.

Step 3: Eerste gesprek

We leren elkaar graag beter kennen tijdens een eerste gesprek, dat zowel online als op locatie kan plaatsvinden.

Step 4: Tweede gesprek en mogelijk assessment of gastcollege

Mogelijk plannen we nog een tweede gesprek met je in. Dit gesprek kan, afhankelijk van de functie, worden aangevuld met een assessment of gastcollege.

Step 5: Het arbeidsvoorwaardengesprek

Na een positief gesprek, nemen we samen de arbeidsvoorwaarden door. Als alles rond is, heten we je van harte welkom bij de Rijksuniversiteit 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:

  • Letter of motivation
  • CV, including contact information for at least two academic referees
  • Transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Afbeelding van het RUG gebouw

Do you have any questions or need more information?

  • Questions about the content of the job?

    Luisella Kraak

    Management/Office-assistant

    l.j.kraak@rug.nl
  • Questions about your application process?

    Luisella Kraak

    Management/Office-assistant

    l.j.kraak@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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