Research Leader CogniGron (1.0 FTE)

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, University of Groningen, V25.0235

Job description

Do you want to play a crucial role in developing new applications for the next generation of computer technology? At CogniGron, a globally recognized research center of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a Research Leader Demonstrator Program to join our team.
As a Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will be closely involved in the development and execution of innovative demonstrator programs within CogniGron. These programs connect concrete real-world challenges from industry with CogniGron’s fundamental research. You will lead the interaction with the stakeholders, set up the research projects in a co-design process and take a leading role in delivering concrete demonstrators (prototypes, proofs of concept) that showcase how the new technology can be applied in practice.

In this position, the focus is not on publications but on creating tangible demonstrators. Moreover, we strive to develop spin-offs arising from this demonstrator program, ensuring that our innovative technology firmly takes root in the market. You will lead a team comprising at least 2 PhD students, and be responsible for the implementation of the demonstrator program as well as the engagement with industry. Furthermore, you will be in charge of communication with companies, coordinate translation of real-world use cases into research projects and promote activities translating fundamental knowledge into energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology.
In doing so, you will help CogniGron achieve our ambition of developing future-proof chips.

Why should you consider this position?

- Collaboration with industry: You will maintain close contacts with the business sector, connecting the end-user perspective with the research perspective.
- Supporting innovation: You will play a key role in developing new computer technologies that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than today’s chips.
- (Inter)national collaboration: You will work with leading researchers and build an (inter)national network.
- Broad range of tasks: You will combine a leading role in interactions with companies with project management of scientific research towards demonstrators using a co-design process; you will coordinate a team of 2-3 PhD candidates and initiate grant applications.

Tasks and Responsibilities
As Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will:

- Collaborate with researchers, domain experts and stakeholders from industry to translate real-world use cases into clear research questions.
- Develop and manage demonstrator research projects for energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology (neuromorphic computing) in close collaboration with the demonstrator PhD students’ supervisors.
- Consolidate the scientific expertise within CogniGron and connect to relevant national and international knowledge partners.
- Together with companies, explore funding opportunities and grants, contributing substantively to new PhD research proposals, with the CogniGron program office providing process support.

Working Environment
At the University of Groningen, we ensure that everyone can make the most of their potential. We are a large university, home not only to passionate researchers and lecturers but also to professionals in valuable supporting roles. Our university is actively engaged in society, and we consider it important to care for our environment. We aim to stimulate the talent, ambition, and performance of over 34,000 students and 6,500 staff as much as possible.

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). We conduct fundamental research on self-learning materials and systems for the next generation of computer chips. These chips must address growing data traffic and rising energy demands. 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.”

Requirements

We are looking for someone who:

- Holds a MSc or PhD in a relevant field with demonstrable research experience in a field that aligns with CogniGron’s themes, preferably with experience in demonstrator or valorization projects.
- Has experience in stakeholder engagement and/or business development.
- Has experience in project coordination, preferably in projects where academia and industry collaborate.
- Possesses excellent (interdisciplinary) communication skills.
- Has a relevant (inter)national network or can quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
- Preferably has experience supervising a team (of junior researchers and students).

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 12 months.

In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) for Dutch Universities, we offer:

- A salary, depending on education and experience, ranging from € 4,060 up to € 5,331 (scale 10) gross per month for a full-time appointment.
- 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus on the annual gross income.
- An appointment of 1.0 FTE for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension as this is a multiple year project.
- A generous leave policy of up to 263 hours per year (based on 1.0 FTE.

Job Application

Please submit your application (cover letter and curriculum vitae) before 15 September using the application form. The interviews will take place on 26 September or 2 October. The University of Groningen values social safety. We aim to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experience, perspectives, or identity. For more information, see our diversity policy page: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/ Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP recruitment code: https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Judith Paridaen, scientific coordinator CogniGron (please add vacancy no.)
[email protected]

In your application, please always include the job opening ID V25.0235

Extra informatie kan worden verkregen via een van de volgende links:

Visit CogniGron

Digital application form