PhD Position in Hardware Design and Processor Development, Clausthal University of Technology, Germany

Summary

The Computer Engineering Group at the Institute of Computer Science at Clausthal University of Technology is offering a full-time PhD position (Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in) initially limited to three years. The research focuses on modern hardware design, specifically processor development (such as RISC-V extensions and registerless architectures) or hardware accelerators for spiking neural networks (SNNs). Responsibilities include conducting doctoral research, publishing at international conferences and in academic journals, and participating in teaching duties in either German or English. Applicants must hold an above-average Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related field, along with knowledge of computer architecture and FPGAs. Compensation is governed by the TV-L pay scale.

Key Facts

Employer	Clausthal University of Technology
Department	Computer Engineering Group at the Institute of Computer Science
Position Type	PhD Position
Discipline	Computer Science / Electrical Engineering
Research Area	Hardware Design and Processor Development
Degree Required	Master or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related field
Experience	Knowledge of computer architecture and working with FPGAs
Salary	Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L)
Funding	TV-L collective agreement pay
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	German or English for teaching; good knowledge of English
Deadline	2026-11-15
Required Documents	standard application documents
Employer Contact	Prof. Oliver Keszöcze ([email protected], +49 5323 72-7153)
Employer Address	Lower Saxony

About the Project

The research focuses on modern hardware design for high-performance, energy-efficient, and resource-efficient computing systems. Applicants will pursue a doctorate in one of two main areas: Processor Development, focusing on RISC-V processors, architecture extensions, and novel registerless processor concepts from design to FPGA implementation; or Hardware Accelerators for Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), involving the development of custom architectures, Chisel-based design tools, and implementation of large-scale networks on FPGAs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in processor development or hardware accelerators for spiking neural networks with the goal of obtaining a PhD
• Publish research results at international conferences and in academic journals
• Participate in teaching to the standard extent in German or English

Required Skills

• Completed university degree (Master or equivalent) with above-average grades in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge of computer architecture and working with FPGAs
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Willingness to cooperate with national and international partners
• High level of commitment and independence
• Good English skills

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding an above-average Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related field. Applicants should possess knowledge of computer architecture, experience with FPGAs, strong teamwork and communication skills, and good English proficiency. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of RISC-V, Chisel, or spiking neural networks.

Benefits

• Opportunity to complete a doctorate in an active research environment with freedom for own ideas and personal supervision
• Remuneration according to TV-L collective agreement
• Annual special payment and additional company pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation plus paid time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Flexible working hours, part-time options, and mobile working opportunities
• Occupational health management, university sports, and corporate benefits

About the Employer

Clausthal University of Technology is a research-focused university in Germany with around 80 professors, 1,100 employees, and 3,000 students. It is committed to the university-wide focus topic of the Circular Economy and sustainable development in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is November 15, 2026.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold an above-average Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Engineering, or a related field.

Is German required for teaching?

No, teaching participation can be conducted in either German or English.

What is the initial duration of the contract?

The contract is initially limited to a duration of 3 years.