MINDnet’ Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidates (DC1 & DC2) (792608)

Organisation/Company University of Strathclyde Department Human Resources Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 11 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

FTE : 1 (35 hours/week)

Contract Type : 36 Months

Closing Date : 30/09/2026

The Neuromorphic Photonics and Neurotechnologies groups at the Institute of Photonics (IoP) at the University ofStrathclyde (Glasgow, UK) are seeking a PhD Doctoral Candidates to carry out research in at the interface between thetwo disciplines. In particular, this post will focus on the development of efficient learning algorithms for closed-loopoptogenetic control of neural circuits in the brain. The appointed candidate will participate in an international research teamas part of the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Neuromorphic computing andsignal processing training network (MINDnet).

The PhD project will take place at Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics (IoP, Physics Dept.). Apart from the time atStrathclyde’s IoP there will be secondments of minimum 3 months at the sites of other European partners in the project.There will also be regular meetings with the other PhD students in the doctoral network, including training schools andworkshops. The PhD student will become part of the team of Prof Keith Mathieson (main supervisor of the PhD project)at Strathclyde’s IoP. The activities within the PhD project will benefit from synergies with other programmes in our groupsas well as with other activities at the IoP and the wider Physics Dept. at Strathclyde.

MINDnet brings together leading academic institutions and industry stakeholders, to establish a doctoral training programaddressing critical technical challenges and skill shortages for next-generation neuromorphic computing and analogue signalprocessing systems. The MINDnet consortium is formed by 7 leading universities, 1 research centre and 2 companies across8 different European countries, along with a number of associated industry partners across Europe.

MINDnet will support a total of 15 doctoral projects (of which 2 PhD projects will take place at Strathclyde’s IoP). Thesedoctoral projects will focus on cutting-edge innovations in the overall theme of neuromorphic computing, targeting a widerange of applications across strategic fields, e.g. communications, computing, sensing, geolocalization, space andbiomedical. Through these efforts, MINDnet will not only deepen fundamental theories and algorithms but also providepractical and scalable solutions for future brain-inspired information processing paradigms built with different hardwaretechnology platforms (e.g. photonics, electronics); thus, helping to improve performance, speed, latency, energy efficiency,and applicability of future neuromorphic computing infrastructure.

By fostering cross-sector/cross-border collaboration in neuromorphic technologies, MINDnet will contribute significantly to theHorizon Europe priorities under the Digital, Industry, and Space Cluster. The project also directly supports the EU’s DigitalDecade goals by driving the development of sustainable information processing hardware, drawing inspiration from the powerfulcomputational capabilities of the brain, to contribute to Europe’s leadership in the digital economy.

MINDnet’s Doctoral Candidates will be guided by leading experts from academia and industry through well-structured projects,secondments, and training and DC-cohort activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the doctoral candidates acquirethe multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required to address real-world challenges, drive innovation in neuromorphic computing,and develop promising professional careers.

The MINDnet consortium is looking for highly motivated, outstanding doctoral candidates (DCs) with the skills, knowledge andenthusiasm to contribute to the innovation and technological advancement of Neuromorphic Technologies. The DCs enrolled inthe program will have opportunities to work and collaborate with world-leading researchers from the consortium partners,participate in secondments across academia and industry, and develop a comprehensive skill set through a well-structured trainingprogram and cross-sector supervision, which will prepare you for successful careers in both academic and industrial environments.

To be considered for the position, candidates are required to have a suitable degree in a relevant field of study for the programme.Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree, and be able to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge in the topics ofthe programme. Full details of the criteria are given below in the list of essential and desirable criteria. The MSCA funding of thisposition has the additional requirement that DCs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) inthe country of the recruiting beneficiary (i.e. the UK for the two Doctoral Candidate positions offered at Strathclyde as part ofMINDnet) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service,short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Conventionarenot taken into account

Formal interviews for this post will be held in October 2026.

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