AI Hardware Accelerators

Supervisor: Themis Prodromakis
Co-supervisor Alex Serb

Project description

The Centre for Electronics Frontiers at the University of Southampton is a dynamic interdisciplinary Centre that delivers novel solutions for advanced sensory systems, energy technologies and unconventional computing architectures. Our team encompasses diverse expertise ranging from materials process development to electronic devices, circuits and systems. This knowledge combined with our state-of-art facilities and strong collaborations with industry enables us to off¬er unique solutions to real-world problems.

Our ambition is to push the frontiers of electronics through emerging nanotechnologies, disrupting current ways of thinking by innovating advanced nano/bio-sensors, safe and efficient energy storage solutions and novel Hardware for AI. To realise this vision, we are seeking exceptional candidates to join our team, interested in devoting their passion for addressing some of the challenges we have identified.

The aim of this PhD studentship is to develop ultra-low power AI hardware accelerators that can be used for delivering advanced computing capabilities at the edge. Opportunities exist for working collaboratively with world-leading industry for benchmarking such systems in practical applications. The project covers a wide spectrum of experimental research, including mixed-signal IC and/or embedded design, machine learning and neuromorphic engineering. These novel AI hardware accelerators can be used in a variety of applications ranging from IoT, robotics, autonomous vehicles, biomedical devices and data centres. The PhD student will have the opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team and to be trained and work in the world-class facilities of the Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics.

We welcome applications from candidates with a background in electronics, machine learning, maths and neuromorphic engineering. Prior experience with circuit design, programming (Python, C) and artificial neural networks are highly desired.

Funding
We accept applications from those who wish to receive a funded scholarship, those who already have a funded scholarship from another source, or self-paying applicants (proof of funds will be required). Funded scholars will receive support for their tuition fees, a bursary to cover living expenses (£18,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years) and a Research Training Support Grant for research consumables and conference attendance.

Please note that the funding available will normally support Home/EU students with standard research council restrictions. EU students are only eligible for a full studentship if they have lived, worked or studied within the UK for 3 years prior to the funding commencing. We will consider applications from exceptional candidates not meeting these criteria.

More information on the Centre for Electronics Frontiers can be accessed at: https://cef.soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements
MEng/MSc (or equivalent, or near completion) with first class honours or distinction in Engineering, Physics, or a closely related subject.

EU/Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency. Click here for information.

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2020 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online here selecting “PhD Nanoelectronics (Full time)” as the programme. Please enter Centre for Electronics Frontiers under the Topic or Field of Research.

Applications should include:
Research Proposal
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts to date
Apply online: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]