Postdoctoral Research Associate in Smart and Green AI

Summary: Design, implement, and validate hardware accelerator prototypes for energy-efficient AI models using neuromorphic and in-memory computing principles. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to develop algorithms and support student supervision within a UKRI fellowship grant.

About the Opportunity

Position Overview

Discipline

Engineering

Faculty

Institute for Intelligent Networked Systems (INSI)

Location

London, Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term

1.5 years, fixed term, full-time

Salary Range

Grade 7, 34 (£43,555 - £46,195 per annum), dependent on experience.

Direct Reports

N/A

Reports to

Professor Bipin Rajendran

Benefits

The university supports staff maintaining a good work-life balance, offering: (*i*) flexible working and parental leave opportunities; (*ii*) an employee assistance programme which provides free, confidential advice on both home and work concerns, as well as optional private medical insurance; (*iii*) season ticket loans; and (*iv*) being part of the cycle-to-work scheme.

Start

January 2027

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Smart and Green AI to work with Professor Bipin Rajendran as part of his UKRI fellowship grant.

The successful candidate will work on the design, implementation and validation of hardware accelerator prototypes for state-of-the-art energy efficient and trustworthy AI models based on neuromorphic computing and In-Memory Computing (IMC) principles.

Core duties include:

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of neuromorphic and in-memory hardware accelerator prototype boards for training and inference of state-of-the-art AI models.
• Develop algorithms, architectures, and hardware–software co-design methodologies for energy-efficient AI computation on neuromorphic and in-memory computing (IMC) platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams spanning hardware design, AI/ML algorithms, information theory, and systems software to enable end-to-end system integration and validation.
• Publish high-quality research outcomes in leading journals and conferences in neuromorphic computing, AI hardware, and computer architecture.
• Support the supervision and mentoring of PhD and MSc students within the research group.
• Engage with industrial and academic collaborators to support joint research activities, technology transfer, and translational impact.
• Contribute to project management activities, including technical reporting, proposal development, and dissemination of research outcomes.

We particularly encourage applications from those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education.

About the Institute

The Intelligent Networked Systems Institute (INSI) at NU London is a newly established transatlantic research hub focused on next-generation connectivity and intelligent computing and learning systems. The INSI London Hub acts as a bridge between the US and Europe, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration across continents. INSI is dedicated to addressing pressing challenges in telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum information, and information processing—all with the objective of creating a more efficient, connected, and secure world.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role, the following should apply – should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.

*Qualifications*

● PhD in Computer Science, Electronics or Computer Engineering or related quantitative field.

*Key Criteria*

● Strong publication record in neuromorphic hardware design demonstrated through publications in leading conferences and/or journals, with expertise extending beyond materials and device optimisation toward system-, architecture-, and algorithm-level innovation.

● Experience in characterisation, modelling, and testing of nanoscale memristive and/or emerging non-volatile memory devices, including board-level integration and experimental evaluation of such devices.

● Experience in the simulation, implementation, and validation of state-of-the-art machine learning models, e.g., probabilistic, neuromorphic, Transformer, and/or state-space models, with an ability to translate algorithms into implementations suitable for emerging hardware platforms.

● Experience with FPGA-based test boards and hardware prototyping for emerging AI hardware systems, including the implementation and testing of algorithms on platforms incorporating emerging memory technologies such as STT-RAM and/or memristive devices.

● Experience in hardware–software co-design approaches aimed at mitigating, exploiting, or adapting to the non-ideal effects and variability of nanoscale devices, with an emphasis on developing robust algorithms and system-level solutions for real-world hardware.

● Effective communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to write research reports and papers in a style accessible to academic audiences.

● Ability to work independently and as part of a team on research programmes

Additional Information

*Enquiries*

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Bipin Rajendran (b.rajendran@nulondon.ac.uk). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

*Application Process*

Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.

You may upload your CV and Cover letter as a single document if you are unable to upload them individually.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Interviews are expected to take place between 26 November and 30 November 2026.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note this role may require a basic or enhanced DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Job sponsorship. Visa sponsorship may be available for a successful candidate for this position.

Position Type

Salary Range
Grade 7, 34 (£43,555 - £46,195 per annum), dependent on experience

Additional Information

About the University

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.

Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers.  NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).
• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
• Support with private medical insurance.
• Eye test reimbursement.
• Cycle Scheme vouchers.
• 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to:

Bipin Rajendran

They can be reached at the following:

b.rajendran@northeastern.edu

However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process

Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date (if applicable).

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae.

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staff’s own wellbeing, for part time roles, the expectation is if you have multiple roles, they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week), and for full time roles, the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles).

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.