PhD position in Photonic Reservoir Computing (EU Researcher) (f/m/d) - Department of Physics - [...]

Stellenbeschreibung:

PhD position in Photonic Reservoir Computing (EU Researcher) (f/m/d) – Department of Physics – Group Theoretical Physics II

Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is recruiting a PhD student for a fixed‑term contract under Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed‑Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) starting from July 2026. This position is full‑time and limited to three years.

Volume: Full time
Restriction: 3 years
Salary: EG 13 TV‑L
Beginning:

The PhD student will participate in the EU‑funded Doctoral Network project MINDnet, which brings together 15 PhD students from seven universities, one research centre and two companies, with partners from eight EU countries. The project focuses on neuromorphic computing and analog signal processing for applications in communication, sensing, geolocalisation, space and biomedical domains.

In addition to the time spent at TU Ilmenau, the candidate will undertake secondments of a minimum of three months at HP Enterprise (Belgium) to study large‑scale neuromorphic chips, at the Technical University of Denmark (Copenhagen) to study optical ring resonators, and at University College London (UK) to investigate optical excitation in memristors. The project also includes regular meetings with the other PhD students, training schools and workshops.

Responsibilities

Bifurcation analysis of optical devices used as computing units.
Investigating machine learning tasks that require short‑term memory (time‑series prediction, speech recognition) in relation to the bifurcation structure of the underlying optical networks.
Predicting optimal operating regions with enhanced memory using input and output delay.
Modeling and nonlinear‑dynamics analysis of complex laser systems to explore memory and adaptability in physical reservoir computers.
Traveling to network partners for 2–3 month secondments.
Participating in outreach activities such as YouTube videos, social‑media updates, public events and press dissemination.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics or related disciplines.
Not yet awarded a doctoral degree.

Desirable competences:

Experience in programming with Python or C++.
Basic knowledge in laser modelling.
Basic knowledge of nonlinear dynamics.
Good communication skills in English.

Recruitment

The recruitment follows the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers. Candidates must provide evidence of the required qualifications (certificates, references). The position is not suitable for part‑time employment.

Eligibility: Candidates must not have resided in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

Benefits

30‑day vacation entitlement per calendar year plus additional days off on 24 and 31 December.
Family‑friendly, flexible working‑time model.
Extensive range of individual training opportunities.
Health and sports programmes.
Respectful working environment in a renowned university.