Postdoctoral Scholar in NOVA Neuromorphic Opportunities Ventures Acceleration in University of Calgary – Canada

Summary

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Neuromorphic Opportunities Ventures & Acceleration (NOVA) program. This two-year position, with potential for renewal up to five years, focuses on translating neural computation principles into new computing architectures, specifically advancing neuromorphic hardware, algorithms, and software. The role offers an annual stipend of $100,000 CAD, a $25,000 CAD research allowance, and health benefits. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field such as Electrical/Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics. The successful applicant will develop an independent research program in areas like energy-efficient neuromorphic computing, learning algorithms, large-scale neural-system emulation, or next-generation neuromorphic hardware. The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine, Cell Biology & Anatomy
Position Type	Postdoctoral Scholar
Discipline	Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Hardware Engineering
Research Area	Neuromorphic Computing, AI Accelerators, Brain-Inspired Technologies
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent
Experience	Prior post-doctoral research is an asset but not required
Salary	100,000 CAD per annum plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits, with a separate research allowance of 25,000 CAD per year
Contract Duration	Two years with possibility for extension up to a total of 5 years
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	Cover letter outlining research experience and interests, CV, Names of three potential references
Employer Address	2500 University Drive NW Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 CANADA

About the Project

The NOVA program supports fellows in translating principles of neural computation into new computing architectures. The research aims to advance neuromorphic hardware, algorithms, and software development through novel developments in brain-inspired technologies to create next-generation AI accelerators. Scholars will develop an independent research program focusing on areas such as energy-efficient analog and mixed-signal neuromorphic computing, learning algorithms for neuromorphic systems (including on-chip and biologically inspired learning), large-scale neural-system emulation using FPGAs and existing neuromorphic platforms (e.g., Intel Loihi and SpiNNaker), or next-generation neuromorphic hardware, including emerging approaches like neurophotonics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an independent research program in one of the specified areas of neuromorphic computing
• Advance neuromorphic hardware algorithms and software development

Required Skills

• PhD or equivalent in Electrical/Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or relevant adjacent fields
• Experience relevant to one of the topic areas: energy-efficient analog and mixed-signal neuromorphic computing, learning algorithms for neuromorphic systems, large-scale neural-system emulation, or next-generation neuromorphic hardware

Who Should Apply

Ambitious early career researchers with a PhD in Electrical/Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields, who are interested in advancing neuromorphic hardware, algorithms, and software development through brain-inspired technologies. Candidates should be prepared to develop an independent research program in one of the specified areas of neuromorphic computing.

Benefits

• Annual stipend of $100,000 CAD
• Separate research allowance of $25,000 CAD per year
• University of Calgary Plan C health benefits
• Support from a primary mentor and a mentoring committee
• Accommodation for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process

About the Employer

The University of Calgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1966, it is a top research university with 36,000 students, known for its innovative learning environment, research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking. It is a leader in creating start-ups. The university has an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy, ii taa poh to p, committed to creating a culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples and incorporates Indigenous perspectives. It is also an equitable and inclusive employer, committed to diversity and removing barriers for underrepresented groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the postdoctoral scholar position?

The initial term is two years, with the possibility of renewal for up to a total of five years, contingent on successful annual review.

What is the annual salary for this position?

The annual stipend is $100,000 CAD, plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits, and a separate research allowance of $25,000 CAD per year.

What qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant domain such as Electrical/Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or relevant adjacent fields, with experience in one of the specified topic areas.

What documents are required for the application?

Applications should include a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, a CV, and the names of three potential references.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 30, 2026.

What is the focus of the NOVA program?

The NOVA program focuses on translating principles of neural computation into new computing architectures, aiming to advance neuromorphic hardware, algorithms, and software development through brain-inspired technologies to create next-generation AI accelerators.