Doctoral Researcher; m​/f​/d PhD position

Clausthal University of Technology is a research-intensive university with strong national and international networks. Its approximately 80 professors, 1,100 staff members, and 3,000 students benefit from short communication channels, a personal atmosphere, and the stunning landscape of the Harz Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the region’s largest employer, Clausthal University of Technology is the most important economic driver and fosters cultural diversity and internationalism.

Clausthal University of Technology is fully committed to the overarching theme of the “circular economy” and aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable society in the digital age through research, teaching, and administration.

The Computational Engineering group at TU Clausthal’s Institute for Informatics works on modern hardware design, aiming for computing systems that are more capable while using less energy and fewer resources. A major focus is processor development, from extensions to the open RISC-V architecture to entirely new processor concepts. We also work on hardware for neural networks and on approximate computing. Our research covers the entire design flow from logic synthesis to FPGA implementation, using and extending modern hardware construction languages such as Chisel and Clash.

Are you interested in computer architecture and hardware design and keen to pursue a PhD? Then join the Computational Engineering group in one of the following research areas:

• Processor design
  :
  The group works on RISC-V processors and their extensions as well as on novel processor architectures that do without conventional registers. Tasks range from the initial concept to the first hardware implementation on FPGAs.
• Hardware accelerators for spiking neural networks
  :
  The group works on energy-efficient hardware accelerators for spiking neural networks (SNNs) and has developed its own architecture and Chisel-based design tools for this purpose. Tasks range from extending the architecture and the tools to implementing larger networks and new applications on FPGAs.

• Research in one of the two areas, leading to a doctorate
• Publishing your results at international conferences and in journals
• Contributing to teaching to the usual extent, in German or English

• Master's degree (or equivalent) with above-average grades in computer science, electrical engineering, computational engineering or a related field
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Willingness to collaborate with national and international partners
• High level of commitment and the ability to work independently
• Knowledge of computer architecture and hands‑on experience with FPGAs
• Good command of English
• Advantageous: knowledge of RISC‑V, Chisel, (spiking) neural networks

• the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in an active research environment, with plenty of freedom for your own ideas and personal supervision
• a varied and challenging role in the dynamic environment of a university
• salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector of the German states (TV-L), as well as an annual bonus at year-end under the TV-L and a separate supplementary pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation, and time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
• work‑life balance through flexible work arrangements, part‑time options, and remote work within the scope of institutional possibilities
• employee health management, university sports programs, and corporate benefits
• future‑oriented development and training opportunities
• the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of our university
• all the benefits of public sector employment

Equality in all its forms, equal opportunity, diversity, and family‑friendliness are important priorities for Clausthal University of Technology. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given priority if they are otherwise qualified. We welcome applications from people of all nationalities.

We look forward to seeing you!

For questions about the research, please contact Prof. Oliver Keszöcze (oliv, .

Applications must be submitted no later than .

Unfortunately, application fees are non-refundable. Application materials will be destroyed in accordance with legal requirements once the selection process has been completed.

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