PhD in Reconfigurable Computing for Heterogeneous ICT Infrastructures Nieuwe Universiteitsgebouw (NU) 1 / 1 PhD Closes on 31-8-2025 Amsterdam Faculty of Science MSc Publishing date 30-7-2025 Apply

PhD @Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam posted 4 days ago

Job Description

Join a groundbreaking collaboration in the 6G FNS project to advance ICT through reconfigurable/spatial devices, novel computing accelerators, and infrastructure simulation. Apply now to shape the future of ICT systems!

Your function

Our research team invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position at the intersection of reconfigurable computing, accelerators, and simulation tools. This position aims to investigate strategies for programming, modeling, and integrating reconfigurable/spatial architectures, such as FPGAs and AI accelerators, within heterogeneous ICT ecosystems.

Your duties

Reconfigurable/Spatial computing architectures, such as FPGAs, CGRAs, and AI accelerators, offer significant opportunities for improving performance and energy efficiency compared to traditional CPUs/GPUs. These devices provide massive spatial parallelism and are well-suited for dataflow programming paradigms. However, optimizing and porting code efficiently to these architectures remains a key challenge. This project will explore how reconfigurable computing devices can be integrated into large-scale heterogeneous infrastructures, which include CPUs, GPUs, DPUs, and others. The research will focus on addressing the complexity of the device-software-application-data design space, enabling systematic and efficient exploration using modeling and simulation tools.

Key Responsibilities

  • Identify and characterize target workloads for the FNS 6G initiative (e.g., data analytics pipelines, network functions virtualization, data‑plane acceleration).
  • Investigate what techniques and abstractions are most effective for designing and optimizing applications for reconfigurable/spatial computing architectures (HW/SW co-design)
  • Extend or build simulation or modeling frameworks to support systematic exploration of mapping and scheduling strategies across CPUs, GPUs, DPUs, and reconfigurable devices.
  • Demonstrate seamless deployment of hybrid workflows in large‑scale, heterogeneous infrastructures.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following qualifications:

  • A Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (completed before the start date of the PhD).
  • Strong academic background and competencies in parallel programming and distributed computing.
  • Knowledge of hardware programming, high-level synthesis tools, and spatial computing architectures (e.g., FPGAs, AMD AI Engine, Tenstorrent) is a plus.
  • Familiarity with computing simulation tools is a plus.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Proactive and enthusiastic about addressing cutting-edge research challenges.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
  • an employment contract of initially 18 months. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

The expected starting date is within Autumn 2025.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • solid pension scheme (ABP)
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Are you interested in this position, and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application and upload the following material:

  • a cover letter (max. 2 pages). Please indicate why you are applying for this position and include contact details for two references (people who worked with you).
  • Your updated curriculum vitae.
  • All BSc/MSc transcripts, including classes taken and grades

If you have questions about this position, please don’t hesitate to contact:

  • prof. Alexandru Iosup (full professor and chair of the group): a.iosup@vu.nl
  • dr. Tiziano De Matteis (assistant professor, supervisor of the project): t.de.matteis@vu.nl

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

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