PhD in Computer Architecture for Real-Time AI at the Edge

Industrial edge deployments—in semiconductor manufacturing, printing systems, automotive radar, smart mobility cameras, and HealthTech—require on-device AI to ensure low latency, privacy, and resilience. Today’s Transformers models scale poorly and assume abundant cloud resources. The research program FIND aims to deliver architectural and algorithmic breakthroughs that enable foundation models to run predictably and efficiently on embedded processors and accelerators.

FIND is a research program funded by the Dutch government and industry that brings together 5 universities, 11 companies (startups to multinationals), and 2 knowledge institutes to develop foundation models (large AI models) for Dutch high‑tech industry, with strong emphasis on edge deployment, privacy, and timely decision‑making. Partners include ASML, NXP, Canon, ASMPT, Technolution, Signify, Shell, Stryker, TNO, and others. A total of 12 PhDs will be employed on the FIND program covering topics from foundation model pre-training and multimodal adaptation to architectures and compression for edge deployment while targeting real-world validation in domains like HealthTech, smart industry, and autonomous mobility.

This PhD position focuses on the design of novel computer architectures to enable large AI models to run on embedded and edge systems under strict timing, energy, and memory constraints. Current solutions typically rely on general-purpose CPUs or GPUs, which are optimized for flexibility rather than predictable real-time performance. These platforms struggle with the complexity and resource demands of foundation models, leading to high latency, excessive energy consumption, and large memory footprints—making them unsuitable for safety-critical or resource-constrained environments.

In addition, you will explore model compression and co-optimization with hardware accelerators. Unlike existing approaches that apply compression techniques (e.g., pruning, quantization) in isolation, this research will jointly optimize algorithms and hardware. Co-optimization ensures that architectural decisions—such as token merging, sparsity exploitation, and quantization—are aligned with hardware datapaths and memory hierarchies. This enables predictable real-time performance, energy efficiency, and scalability across heterogeneous platforms (embedded CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, near-memory accelerators). The result is a shift from “best-effort” execution on generic hardware to deterministic, deadline-compliant AI inference tailored for industrial edge systems.

These architectures and accelerators will be prototyped and validated in collaboration with a leading high-tech semiconductor manufacturing company, demonstrating how edge devices can execute foundation models with guaranteed performance and minimal energy footprint—closing the gap between AI capability and embedded system constraints.

Research group and company
This position is embedded in the Electronic Systems (ES) group within the Electrical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Our group consists of six full professors, three associate professors, seven assistant professors, several postdocs, approximately 40 EngD and PhD candidates, and support staff. The ES group is world-renowned for its design automation and embedded systems research.

This PhD project is executed in close collaboration with ASMPT which is the only company in the world offering a comprehensive portfolio of integrated solutions for all major steps in electronics manufacturing – from carrier for chip interconnection to chip assembly and packaging to SMT.

PhD in Computer Architecture for Real-Time AI at the Edge

Introduction
Join the NWO Perspectief FIND program and help design next-generation computer architectures for running large AI models on embedded and edge systems under strict timing, energy, and memory constraints. You’ll explore hardware-aware optimization and co-design with accelerators (FPGAs, GPUs, near-memory systems) to achieve real-time, energy-efficient AI for high-tech industry applications. Work with leading companies like ASMPT and shape the future of AI at the edge!

Job Description
Industrial edge deployments—in semiconductor manufacturing, printing systems, automotive radar, smart mobility cameras, and HealthTech—require on-device AI to ensure low latency, privacy, and resilience. Today’s Transformers models scale poorly and assume abundant cloud resources. The research program FIND aims to deliver architectural and algorithmic breakthroughs that enable foundation models to run predictably and efficiently on embedded processors and accelerators.

FIND is a research program funded by the Dutch government and industry that brings together 5 universities, 11 companies (startups to multinationals), and 2 knowledge institutes to develop foundation models (large AI models) for Dutch high‑tech industry, with strong emphasis on edge deployment, privacy, and timely decision‑making. Partners include ASML, NXP, Canon, ASMPT, Technolution, Signify, Shell, Stryker, TNO, and others. A total of 12 PhDs will be employed on the FIND program covering topics from foundation model pre-training and multimodal adaptation to architectures and compression for edge deployment while targeting real-world validation in domains like HealthTech, smart industry, and autonomous mobility.

This PhD position focuses on the design of novel computer architectures to enable large AI models to run on embedded and edge systems under strict timing, energy, and memory constraints. Current solutions typically rely on general-purpose CPUs or GPUs, which are optimized for flexibility rather than predictable real-time performance. These platforms struggle with the complexity and resource demands of foundation models, leading to high latency, excessive energy consumption, and large memory footprints—making them unsuitable for safety-critical or resource-constrained environments.

In addition, you will explore model compression and co-optimization with hardware accelerators. Unlike existing approaches that apply compression techniques (e.g., pruning, quantization) in isolation, this research will jointly optimize algorithms and hardware. Co-optimization ensures that architectural decisions—such as token merging, sparsity exploitation, and quantization—are aligned with hardware datapaths and memory hierarchies. This enables predictable real-time performance, energy efficiency, and scalability across heterogeneous platforms (embedded CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, near-memory accelerators). The result is a shift from “best-effort” execution on generic hardware to deterministic, deadline-compliant AI inference tailored for industrial edge systems.

These architectures and accelerators will be prototyped and validated in collaboration with a leading high-tech semiconductor manufacturing company, demonstrating how edge devices can execute foundation models with guaranteed performance and minimal energy footprint—closing the gap between AI capability and embedded system constraints.

Research group and company
This position is embedded in the Electronic Systems (ES) group within the Electrical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Our group consists of six full professors, three associate professors, seven assistant professors, several postdocs, approximately 40 EngD and PhD candidates, and support staff. The ES group is world-renowned for its design automation and embedded systems research.

This PhD project is executed in close collaboration with ASMPT which is the only company in the world offering a comprehensive portfolio of integrated solutions for all major steps in electronics manufacturing – from carrier for chip interconnection to chip assembly and packaging to SMT.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, or related background and strong hardware design skills.
• Strong background in computer architecture, digital design, and real-time systems. Knowledge of embedded systems and hardware/software co-design.
• Experience with hardware acceleration (FPGAs, GPUs, SoCs) and low-power design.
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) is a plus.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr.ir. Sander Stuijk, s.stuijk@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl or +31 40 247 8835.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Agile Coach

Introductie
Bij de Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) zijn studenten en wetenschappers voortdurend op zoek naar nieuwe mogelijkheden om het ondenkbare te creëren. Deze knappe koppen bieden je vandaag een oplossing die je gisteren nog niet voor mogelijk hield. Het IT-landschap, ondersteunt door informatiemanagement (IM) en IT teams, speelt hierin een essentiële rol. Binnen Library and Information Services (LIS) bouwen we samen aan de uitvoering van onze digitaliseringstrategie waar het epicentrum van wetenschap en technologie om vraagt.
Als Agile Coach haal je het beste uit deze teams en ondersteun je ze om de digitaliseringstrategie waar te maken.

Functieomschrijving
De dienst LIS, bestaande uit ongeveer 250+ medewerkers, is verantwoordelijk voor de gehele demand – supply keten op het vlak van IM en IT. Studenten en medewerkers denken mee over de veranderingen die nodig zijn en het prioriteren van de veranderingen. Binnen LIS werken we sinds 2021 met een Agile mindset en Agile methodieken.naar multidisciplinair product georiënteerd teams.
Deze product teams dragen zorg voor het vernieuwen, verbeteren en het in stand houden van de informatievoorziening en IT van hun product.

Als Agile Coach word je onderdeel van en sparringpartner namens het Agile Center of Excellence (ACE), die alle product georiënteerde teams ondersteunt in de manier van werken.
Je bent een inspirerende, ervaren en creatieve Agile (team) coach die in staat is om de organisatie mee te nemen op de ontdekkingstocht door de Agile wereld. Tevens heb je ervaring met coachen in een bredere organisatie context, bijvoorbeeld als systemisch of organisatiecoach.

Je zet zelfstandig trainingen, workshops, inspiratie- en intervisiesessies op en ontwikkelt hier het materiaal voor. Daarnaast ben je een verbinder die in staat is om het team, de teams onderling en dienst overstijgend in harmonie te laten samenwerken.

Functie-eisen

• Je hebt hands-on ervaring met Agile methodieken als Scrum en Kanban. Daarnaast heb je ervaring met LEAN. Tevens heb je ervaring met coachen in Agile Frameworks welke passen bij de diensten van de teams en hun waardestromen.
• Je hebt aantoonbare werkervaring op HBO-/ WO niveau aangevuld met een diploma op dit niveau en aantoonbare ervaring als (Agile) coach in profit- en non-profit IT organisaties.
• Ervaring met het begeleiden van zelfsturende teams, Scrum Masters en Product Owners en het geven van awareness sessies, trainingen en workshops.
• Je bent in staat om verbindend taalgebruik te koppelen aan feedback en coaching gesprekken.
• Je bent in staat om op te treden als gesprekspartner voor alle niveaus in de TU/e organisatie (binnen en buiten LIS, Management, Agile teams) en hebt daarnaast sterke communicatieve vaardigheden, waarmee je op plekken waar tegenstrijdige belangen lijken te gelden, in staat bent om verbinding te creëren en te behouden.
• Certificering en ervaring in systemisch kijken en werken in organisaties is een pré.
• Je bezit goede schriftelijke en mondelinge communicatievaardigheden in zowel de Nederlandse als Engelse taal.
• Certificering voor één of meerdere persoonlijkheidsmethodieken zoals DISC of Management Drives is een pré.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden
Een boeiende positie binnen een internationale en tegelijkertijd persoonlijke universiteit. Je zit midden tussen de studenten, op een groene campus op loopafstand van het centraal station. Daarnaast bieden we jou:

• Een maandsalaris van minimaal € 4.728,- tot maximaal € 7.297,- bij een fulltime dienstverband, afhankelijk van jouw kennis en ervaring (schaal 11/12 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten).
• Naast vakantiegeld, een structurele eindejaarsuitkering van 8,3%.
• Een gunstige regeling voor extra verlofdagen of een sabbatical.
• Een keuzemodel voor extra secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden.
• Werktijden in overleg voor een optimale werk-privé balans.
• Ruimte voor jouw talent met doorgroeikansen en uitstekende ontwikkelmogelijkheden, zoals mentoring, workshops en coaching.
• Deels betaald ouderschapsverlof en een vergoeding voor reiskosten woon-werkverkeer, thuiswerken en internet.
• Een ruime werkgeversbijdrage aan de gunstige ABP-pensioenregeling.
• Toegang tot het moderne sportcentrum op de TU/e‑campus tegen een uitzonderlijk voordelig tarief.

Hier ontdek je nog meer informatie over onze arbeidsvoorwaarden. Bouw verder aan je carrière bij de TU/e!

Over ons
Wij zijn een toonaangevende internationale universiteit waar wetenschappelijke nieuwsgierigheid samenkomt met een pragmatische, hands‑on mentaliteit. We werken op een open en samenwerkingsgerichte manier met hightechindustrieën om complexe maatschappelijke uitdagingen aan te pakken. Onze verantwoordelijke en respectvolle benadering zorgt voor impact — vandaag én in de toekomst. TU/e is de thuisbasis van meer dan 13.000 studenten en ruim 7.000 medewerkers, samen een diverse en bruisende academische gemeenschap.

Onze universiteit bevindt zich in Brainport Eindhoven — een wereldwijd toonaangevende technologieregio met meer dan 7.000 hightechbedrijven en sterke R&D‑activiteiten. Brainport staat bekend om doorbraken op het gebied van AI, fotonica, halfgeleiders en geavanceerde maakindustrie. Het is een regio waar technologie in dienst staat van mensen en de samenleving. Meer informatie over de Brainport‑regio vind je hier.

Core Values
Bij TU/e geloven we in meer dan alleen kennis en innovatie we leven onze CORe values actief na. Onze waarden Curious, Open, Respect en Responsible vormen de basis van hoe we samenwerken, communiceren en groeien. Ze zijn niet alleen woorden op papier, maar richtlijnen die ons dagelijks gedrag en onze cultuur bepalen. Sluit je aan bij een organisatie waar deze waarden écht het verschil maken.

Informatie
Bezoek onze website voor meer informatie over het sollicitatieproces. Je kunt hierover ook contact opnemen met Rob van der LInden, Senior Recruiter bij TU/e, telefoon 06-395582273 of via e-mail: r.m.e.v.d.linden@tue.nl.

Nieuwsgierig geworden? Op www.tue.nl/jobs vind je meer over werken bij de TU/e.

Sollicitatie
Ben je geïnteresseerd? Via de solliciteerknop ontvangen we graag je CV en brief met motivatie en omschrijving van je kwalificaties. Zorg ervoor dat je alle gevraagde documenten toevoegt. Wij geven voorrang aan complete sollicitaties.

De screening van kandidaten begint zodra de sollicitaties zijn ontvangen en gaat door totdat de vacature is ingevuld. Indien van toepassing, krijgen interne kandidaten bij gelijke geschiktheid voorrang op externe kandidaten.

We kijken uit naar je sollicitatie!

Let op

• Je kunt online solliciteren. Sollicitaties die per e-mail en/of post worden verstuurd, worden niet in behandeling genomen.
• Een voorafgaande screening (bijvoorbeeld een Verklaring omtrent Gedrag of kennisveiligheidscheck) kan onderdeel zijn van de selectieprocedure. Voor meer informatie over de kennisveiligheidscheck, raadpleeg de Nationale Richtlijnen Kennisveiligheid.
• Wij verzoeken je geen contact met ons op te nemen voor ongevraagde diensten.

EngD on the Design and Demonstration of Free-Space Optical Communication Systems

Introduction
Are you fascinated by the idea of high-speed space Internet, envisioned to be powered by more than 50000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites expected to be launched within 10 years? Join us on this research project in collaboration with multiple tech companies to develop and demonstrate the next generation of free-space optical (FSO) communication systems for satellite communications.

Job Description
Satellite-based links are of key importance to provide ever-increasing data rates. Free-space optics is a technology that can help satisfy this demand thanks to the vast amounts of bandwidth available in the THz-regime. The Eindhoven University of Technology recognizes the crucial paradigm shift, from intensity-modulated to coherent transmission, necessary in next generation FSO communication systems to provide high throughputs. To address this challenge, we are excited to announce an EngD positions in the field of experimental FSO communications.
These two positions are part of a collaborative research project between leading technology companies and two research groups at TU/e: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) and the Electronic Systems (ES) group. The research in this EngD project will be performed in close collaboration with Cubiq Technologies and the two research groups. You will be a part of a team that consists of 1 EngD, and 2 PhDs. Successful candidate will work on a field demonstration of DSP algorithms for FSO communications.

Job Requirements

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in digital signal processing.
• Background on error correcting codes is also highly desirable
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Experience in RTL design and FPGA prototyping using VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS tools is highly desirable
• A research-oriented attitude along with a result-focused mindset.
• Ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industry.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an international setting with a close relationship to industry. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for two years.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale TOIO (€ 3,029).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• To support you during your EngD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for EngD trainees.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Information and Communication Theory Lab (ICT Lab) at TU/e is a globally recognized research group focusing on information and communication theory, and its applications. At the ICT Lab, we study information processing in a broad sense. We focus on finding fundamental limits but also on the data processing techniques (often codes and digital signal processing algorithms) and architectures that aim at approaching these limits. Main areas of interest are source coding, channel coding, multi-user information theory, security, and machine learning. We typically use information-theoretical frameworks to model the scenarios under investigation. This allows us to find out what the optimal trade-offs are. The scenarios that we study often result from close interaction with industry. Curious to hear more about research at the ICT Lab? Please view this video.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiringmanagers Profs. Alex Alvarado (SPS Group) at a.alvarado@tue.nl and Alexios Balatsoukas-Stimming (ES Group) at a.k.balatsoukas.stimming@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For More information about the research groups in this project please visit https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/ict-lab
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems/signal-processing-for-communications-lab

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Copies of relevant BSc and MSc diplomas and grade transcripts.
• Up to two written scientific reports (e.g., BSc/MSc thesis, traineeship report, or scientific paper) in any language (preferably in English)

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Agile Coach

De dienst LIS, bestaande uit ongeveer 250+ medewerkers, is verantwoordelijk voor de gehele demand – supply keten op het vlak van IM en IT. Studenten en medewerkers denken mee over de veranderingen die nodig zijn en het prioriteren van de veranderingen. Binnen LIS werken we sinds 2021 met een Agile mindset en Agile methodieken.naar multidisciplinair product georiënteerd teams.
Deze product teams dragen zorg voor het vernieuwen, verbeteren en het in stand houden van de informatievoorziening en IT van hun product.

Als Agile Coach word je onderdeel van en sparringpartner namens het Agile Center of Excellence (ACE), die alle product georiënteerde teams ondersteunt in de manier van werken.
Je bent een inspirerende, ervaren en creatieve Agile (team) coach die in staat is om de organisatie mee te nemen op de ontdekkingstocht door de Agile wereld. Tevens heb je ervaring met coachen in een bredere organisatie context, bijvoorbeeld als systemisch of organisatiecoach.

Je zet zelfstandig trainingen, workshops, inspiratie- en intervisiesessies op en ontwikkelt hier het materiaal voor. Daarnaast ben je een verbinder die in staat is om het team, de teams onderling en dienst overstijgend in harmonie te laten samenwerken.