PhD in Hardware Architectures for Physics-Informed AI at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands

Summary

The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) invites applications for a four‑year PhD position focused on developing hardware architectures that accelerate physics‑informed artificial intelligence. The project, part of the NWO‑funded “Detection of Hidden Cash using Physics‑Based AI,” aims to create FPGA/ASIC solutions for real‑time counterfeit‑cash detection and broader design methods for physics‑informed AI. The candidate will work on hardware‑software co‑design, algorithm mapping, and collaborate with industry partners such as Smiths Detection and Dutch Customs. The role includes up to 15% teaching duties, a competitive salary with allowances, and a full‑time contract with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Fluency in English and a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field are required.

Key Facts

About the Project

The PhD project develops reconfigurable hardware (FPGA/ASIC) and edge‑deployment strategies to speed up physics‑informed AI methods. It targets a real‑time counterfeit‑cash detection demonstrator using physics‑infused deep unfolding, while also exploring general design techniques for hybrid model‑based and learning‑based algorithms, deep unfolding, and physics‑informed neural networks. The work is embedded in the NWO project “Detection of Hidden Cash using Physics‑Based AI” and involves collaboration with industry and public‑sector partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop hardware architectures and methods for physics‑informed AI
• Map hybrid model‑based and learning‑based algorithms to reconfigurable hardware
• Contribute to algorithm development, hardware design, and hardware‑software co‑design
• Collaborate across disciplines and with industrial and public‑sector partners
• Contribute to teaching and student coaching

Required Skills

• Research‑oriented approach and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Interest in industry collaboration and teaching
• Fluent spoken and written English (C1 level)
• Experience with FPGA/ASIC development and hardware description languages
• Experience with machine learning, signal processing, and AI accelerators
• Programming experience in Python and/or C/C++

Who Should Apply

Applicants holding a master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, embedded systems, computer science or a related discipline, with experience in FPGA/ASIC development, machine learning, and programming, who are fluent in English and interested in interdisciplinary research and teaching, should apply.

Benefits

• Competitive salary €3,204–€4,051 gross per month
• 8% holiday allowance
• 8.3% year‑end bonus
• Full‑time four‑year contract with intermediate assessment after nine months
• Teaching load of 10%–15% per year
• Collaboration with industry partners

About the Employer

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a research university located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, offering PhD positions within its engineering and computer science programmes.