The research group of Prof. Christof Teuscher has an immediate opening for a paid PhD position in the area of neuromorphic computing.

THE PROJECT

TITLE: Fractional-order neuronal dynamics for next generation memcapacitive computing networks

DESCRIPTION: One objective of neuroscience is to abstract the function of the brain to build better computers. In this project we will use a mathematical theory that explains how real neurons adapt their responses based on their previous activity and apply it to design electric circuits that are both computationally and energetically efficient. We have a team that covers theoretical neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, and philosophy. To instantiate electric circuits that mimic neuronal function, known as neuromorphic systems, we use the mathematical theory together with our knowledge of the physical and engineering properties of electric elements to propose the need to use capacitors with memory, known as memcapacitors. Memcapacitors are much more energetically efficient than the most commonly used memristors (resistors with memory), thus providing a highly efficient energetic platform for neuromorphic networks and devices. The neuronal theory, based on fractional order dynamics, suggests that neurons with scale-free history dependence have computationally optimal coding properties. Thus, our neuromorphic systems have the potential to be highly efficient energetically and computationally. Since memcapacitors are rare, we will build biomimetic systems that can be incorporated with electric and electronic devices to build networks. Together, the team will provide energetic and computational metrics across the full stack of applications, from computer models, single circuits, hardware networks, and artificial intelligence applications. Furthermore, a Biomedical Ethicist will study the Ethical and Social Implications of adoption of new technologies. This will be done in tight integration within the team and participants. These activities will include workshops and seminars. The team will generate Bioethics teaching modules for all the disciplines involved in this project.

The position is funded by the National Science Foundation. The project is a collaboration with teams from the University of Texas San Antonio, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Tennessee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate has experience in neuromorphic circuits, memristors, memcapacitors, machine learning, neural networks, reservoir computing, optimization techniques, unconventional computation, and computational intelligence.
• Must be enrolled in the ECE or CS PhD program at PSU.
• Excellent Python programming skills.
• Interested in far-reaching cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
• Outstanding academic records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Highly motivated, responsible, independent, with outstanding work ethics.
• Visionary, creative, outside-the-box thinker.

WHAT YOU GET

A place to invent, design, create, investigate, support and advice, an unconventional lab environment, free coffee, a GRA stipend, tuition, a foosball table, access to a powerful research compute server, a unique team, opportunities to collaborate with researchers from other fields.

WHAT WE DO

The mission of teuscher.:Lab is review the foundations of computer technology to help solve tomorrow’s technological and societal problems. We use a radical interdisciplinary approach and apply tools from computer science, computer engineering, physics, biology, complex systems science, and cognitive science to the study and the design of next generation computing models and architectures. Our research and education have global impact. We educate lifelong learners through academic excellence.

See Research and Mission, Vision, and Values pages for more info.

APPLICATION

Send application materials to teuscher@pdx.edu. Review will begin immediately. The position remains open until filled.

Portland State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.