Job Description

Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in neuromorphic computing, neural interface technologies, and machine learning for brain signal processing.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to develop and implement Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and State Space Models (SSMs) tailored for the real-time processing of complex brain signals such as EEG or neural spikes. This role focuses on bridging brain-inspired computation with energy-efficient hardware implementations for edge and wearable healthcare applications.

The research is applicable across a broad range of neural-interface technologies, including Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs), neural prosthetics, neurological disorder monitoring (e.g. epilepsy), and intelligent neurotechnology systems. The overarching goal of the research project is to enable seamless human–machine interaction by interpreting brain activity (e.g., EEG signals) in real time using energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware.

The successful candidate will work on the design and hardware realization of neuromorphic systems, bridging neuroscience and electronics. The project combines expertise in circuit design, machine learning, and neuromorphic computing.

The position is open from November 2026, and the specific start date will be agreed upon with the successful candidate.

As a Digital IC Design Postdoc, your key responsibilities will be:

• Extract the requirements and specifications in close collaboration with project partners.
• Develop algorithms based on SNNs, SSMs, and neuromorphic AI for neural signal processing.
• Participate in the full design cycle, from architecture to implementation, of a CMOS-based digital neuromorphic processor.
• Contribute to the design of a test setup for prototype validation in collaboration with the PhD student who is designing the analog front end.
• Clearly document design specifications, trade-offs, and measurement results.

What we offer

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Microelectronics, a growing section integrating expertise in analog/digital IC design, spintronics, neuromorphic computing, and energy-efficient system architectures.
• Access to advanced facilities for design, characterization, and system prototyping.
• Excellent opportunities for collaboration across SDU and with national and international academic and industrial partners in microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies.
• Strong support for professional development through the Lecturer Training Programme and mentoring.
• An open and collaborative research culture within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering (TEK), promoting interdisciplinary innovation across electronics, materials science, and artificial intelligence.

What we expect

Applicants should hold a PhD in Electronic Engineering (the degree should have been completed within the last 6 years at most):

• Expertise in neuromorphic computing and neural signal processing, with hands-on experience utilizing brain-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and hardware-efficient State Space Models (SSMs) for complex bio-signals.
• Strong knowledge of digital IC and VLSI system design, including hardware description languages (Verilog/VHDL), circuit simulation (SPICE), and industry-standard EDA tools.
• Experience with hardware–software co-design, FPGA implementation, neuromorphic hardware, or edge AI deployment is an advantage.
• A strong research track record demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and the ability to work effectively in collaborative research environments.
• Team player with strong collaboration skills.

All candidates must demonstrate excellent verbal and written English skills, along with very good communication abilities.

Workplace description

The successful candidate will join SDU Microelectronics, a dynamic and expanding section at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). The section conducts internationally recognized research in integrated circuits, spintronics, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, and plays a central role in SDU’s ambition to be a national and European hub for semiconductor and chip innovation.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Farshad Moradi ( moradi@sdu.dkemail), Head of the SDU Microelectronics section and Associate Professor Hooman Farkhani ( farkhani@sdu.dk / email), Deputy Head of SDU Microelectronics.

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position.
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected.

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file).

The application deadline is August 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU. Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation. Read about the Assessment and selection process

Employment terms

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from November 2026. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements. As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process. SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary. Further information on salary and taxation.

Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

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The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.