PhD Studentship: Fabrication and Modelling of Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing

Supervisory Team:

Firman Simanjuntak (UoS), Gan Chee Kwan (A*STAR), Harold Chong (UoS) 

Project Description:

Sustainable Electronic Technologies (SET) Research Group, University of Southampton, U.K.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 

PhD studentship in Nanoelectronics 

We are seeking exceptional candidates to join our team, interested in devoting their passion to addressing some of the challenges we have identified. More information on the SET research group and IHPC A*STAR can be accessed at: https://www.set.ecs.soton.ac.uk/ and

https://www.a-star.edu.sg/ihpc/home 

Project description: Electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones and data centres, account for a significant amount of the world's energy consumption; we need to invent novel technologies to deliver high-speed, low-power and efficient computing and communication. This PhD studentship aims at developing memristor artificial synapses for neuromorphic chips and building simulation modelling of their synaptic plasticity. Memristor nanodevices are an emerging nanoelectronic technology capable of mimicking neurons' communication through synaptic plasticity. We will train you how to design a massive array of fully functional memristor prototypes and simulate how diffusion and drift of ions/defects could lead to synaptic plasticity. The final objective of this project is to model the impact of materials and electrical parameters on plasticity behaviour.

The experimental part of this project will be conducted in the UoS UK (2 years), and the modelling study will be conducted in A*STAR Singapore (1.5 years). You will have access to our state-of-the-art cleanroom and materials and electrical characterisation facilities, and we have excellent research staff and technicians who will support your research (https://www.southampton-nanofab.com/). We will encourage you to attend international conferences in the UK and abroad to present your research work and guide you in publishing your results in high-impact journals. 

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Firman Simanjuntak (f.m.simanjuntak@soton.ac.uk) or Dr Gan Chee Kwan (ganck@ihpc.a-star.edu.sg) 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree or an MEng/MSc (or equivalent, or near completion), with at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a closely related subject, such as Electronics and Chemistry. Basic knowledge of nanotechnologies, theoretical modelling, or materials simulations is a must. 

Closing Date: 31 August 2024. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. 

Funding: UoS will cover the tuition fees and provide a stipend of £15,285 tax-free per annum for the first 2 years, and A*STAR will cover a one-time airfare grant of S$1500, one-time settling-in allowance of S$1000, one-time IT allowance of S$800, conference allowance as well as a monthly stipend of S$2700, monthly housing subsidy of S$600, and medical insurance for another 1.5 years of the programme; the student will not need to pay tuition fees while they are in Singapore. 

How To Apply

Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Nanoelectronics (Full time)”.

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor: Firman Simanjuntak 

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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