Postdoctoral position in AI-guided materials design for neuromorphic computing

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, AI Robotic systems, Machine learning techniques, Mathematics, Statistics

Job Description

The Department of Applied Physics is now looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in AI-guided materials design for neuromorphic computing

The Computational Electronic Structure Theory (CEST) group in the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University is hiring a post-doctoral scholar. In this position, you will work in a collaborative team with researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. You will have a chance to make an impact on the green and digital transition by applying tools from artificial intelligence (AI) to neuromorphic computing. Neuromorphic devices realize neural networks directly on a chip. Our objective is to optimize existing and discover new materials for robust and low-power neuromorphic device components.

Your role and goals

You will carry out computational studies (e.g., density-functional theory) of materials for neuromorphic device components. The computational workflow will be combined with data science and machine learning approaches to optimize design spaces and discover new materials. You will also be developing digitalization workflows for the experimental data generated in the project. You will manage large-scale supercomputer simulations alongside AI algorithms and data analytics tools. The position is part of an Academy of Finland funded research consortium. You will collaborate closely with the team members and integrate computational, literature and experimental data into a materials discovery and optimization workflow.

Your experience and ambitions

We welcome candidates with a doctorate in (computational) physics, chemistry or materials science who are curious about applied machine learning in the natural sciences. Prior machine learning or Python experience is a strong bonus, but not a must. We seek colleagues who enjoy coding, scripting and analytics, and are keen to push the boundaries of data-driven materials science and materials exploration. This project requires creative thinking and programming, as well as technical expertise in materials simulations and a broad understanding of semiconductor physics and devices. We further appreciate willingness to travel, teach and mentor, collaborate and communicate science.

What we offer

In the Computational Electronic Structure Theory (CEST) group, led by Prof. Patrick Rinke, we advance electronic structure theory and machine learning to pursue innovative applications towards future technologies. We are a multi-cultural and cross-disciplinary team, with complementary subgroups and talents. Our group is part of the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (https://fcai.fi/) and you will be embedded in a lively community at the crossroads of AI, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The research project is part of a collaboration with Dr. Sayani Majumdar’s group at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, who fabricates neuromorphic devices. You will train in machine learning applications with experienced developers, meet our global network of collaborators, join us at scientific meetings, help us organize research workshops and get involved in academic and diversity outreach. In combination with the academic development courses at Aalto University, we will help you grow a competitive and international career profile.

The fixed term contract is initially for two years. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a Postdoctoral researcher is approx. 3800€/month. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare. The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus at Aalto University.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page (Apply Now).

(1) Letter of motivation
(2) CV including list of publications
(3) Degree certificates and academic transcripts
(4) Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

The deadline for applications is December 19, 2022. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Patrick Rinke. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.