Postdoc Position: Neuromorphic Computing in Physics

1. Introduction

Are you interested in a project at the interface between computational physics, machine learning and neuromorphic computing? Do you thrive for both fundamental and societal impact of your research? If so, we have a project for you! 

2. Job description

Neuromorphic computing is a way to do computations with hardware that mimics the architecture of the brain. This project aims to explore and benchmark the potential of new neuromorphic hardware and algorithms for concrete problems in quantum many-body physics. The project closely aligns with fundamental studies on ultrafast nanomagnetism and aims to find out which computational tasks can be conducted faster and more energy-efficient by deployment of new neuromorphic hardware. This may lead to the breaking of existing computational barriers, paving the way to new scientific discoveries. Although fundamental in nature, on the long term our research may stimulate the adoption of neuromorphic hardware for societal applications. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will receive training and be part of an interdisciplinary effort involving collaborations with the Donders Institute for Neuroscience, SURF (IT cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions) and InfinityQ (technology solutions firm), publish results in leading journals, and have the chance to participate in national and international schools and conferences.

We seek excellent and highly motivated candidates with a PhD degree in Physics, Computational Science, or equivalent qualification. Exceptional candidates with a strong background in computational condensed matter physics and AI/ML are particularly encouraged to apply. Good communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, are required.

3. Profile

• You are eager to break existing computational barriers using neuromorphic computing paradigms.
• You excel in solving challenging problems in physics.
• You are a team player and like to participate in supervision.
• You flourish working in an international environment and across different disciplines. 

4. We are

The Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials Group conducts both experimental and theoretical research aimed to understand ultrafast processes in correlated materials. Your research will be embedded in interdisciplinary research on energy-efficient computing funded by the Dutch government through a KIC and NWA programme (NL-ECO). In addition, the research benefits from existing international collaborations (EU-NIMFEIA project on magnonic reservoir computing, EU-COMRAD project on ultrafast spintronics, EU-3DMAGiC project on nanoscale topological spin textures). The main supervisors for this PD position are Dr Johan Mentink and Prof. Theo Rasing. Additional support will be provided by Dr Dima Afanasiev and Prof. Alexey Kimel.

Institute for Molecules and Materials

Our research is embedded in the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM), which strives to fundamentally understand, design and control the functioning of molecules and materials. We offer a first-class international research environment with various theoretical and computational research topics and projects targeted to support and stimulate experiments.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of one year with the prospect of an indefinite contract. / We will give you a temporary employment contract of ??? year(s).
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Johan Mentink. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 21 July. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2025.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information.