PhD Studentship - Large-Scale Digital AI systems for Large Language Models (LLMs)

The Centre for Electronics Frontiers (CEF) led by Regius Chair of Engineering Prof Prodromakis, brings together diverse and interdisciplinary expertise for transforming modern society through technology. Our ambition is to push the frontiers of electronics through emerging technologies, disrupting current ways of thinking by innovating advanced nano/biosensors, safe and efficient energy storage solutions and novel hardware for AI. We are offering prospective PhD students the opportunity to join our team, interested in devoting their passion for addressing some of the challenges we have identified.

The project aims at building large-scale AI accelerators for Large Language Models (LLMs), with a specific focus on Transformers. Diverse hardware optimization techniques can be used, targeting a scalable tile-based Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) engine with massive on-chip global buffers for data-stationary. Systolic Array (SA) architectures with novel spatial dataflows will be utilized, at a large scale, for energy-efficient LLM training and inference. The project targets building full system prototypes in advanced CMOS/FinFET technology nodes (28nm, 16nm). These digital exact computing systems are planned to host/collaborate with unconventional AI architectures with emerging technologies later. 

The required skills are as follows: 

• Verilog RTL Coding & Testing (mandatory). 
• Digital ASIC Cell-based Flow using Cadence or Synopsys Tools (mandatory). 
• Previous experience in Tape-outs and Chip Testing. 
• Systolic Arrays and AI Architectures. 
• SRAM design & Memory Compilers. 

Further Information: 

Group website: https://cef.eng.ed.ac.uk/

The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity

Principal Supervisor: 

Professor Themis Prodromakis

Assistant Supervisor: 

Dr Shady Agwa Rizkalla

Eligibility: 

Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.

Funding: 

Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants.

Home Students:

To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• You are a UK student
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme. (International students not eligible.)

Further information and other funding options.

Informal Enquiries: 

t.prodromakis@ed.ac.uk

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above