T418-2025 - Research Assistant / PhD Student (all genders) - High-Performance and Low-Power Digital Hardware Accelerators for AI

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The Hardware for AI Group at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of TU Darmstadt is a dynamic and growing research team exploring the intersection of AI hardware and AI algorithms. We focus on energy-efficient AI algorithms, AI hardware, AI explainability and hardware-software codesign for AI systems, aims to promote Green and Explainable AI. Our group offers a collaborative and supportive environment for research and learning.

This new PhD position aims to explore the timing and power for digital hardware accelerators for AI. Concrete topics of this position can include but are not limited to:

• Evaluation of timing performance and power consumption in each fundamental building block in digital hardware accelerator, e.g., systolic array in TPU, for AI
• Exploration of the evaluation results above to enhance timing performance and reduce power consumption of hardware for AI
• Validation on FPGAs

Appropriate participation in administrative tasks, in teaching courses, and in supervising student work is expected.

• A completed university science degree (MSc or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer science or other related disciplines with a final grade of at least “good.”
• Detailed knowledge of FPGAs, and proficiency in C, Python, VHDL/Verilog programming languages.
• A good understanding of AI algorithms, e.g., neural networks, or is strongly interested in exploring AI algorithms, and a good understanding of digital circuits.

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Li Zhanggrace.zhang@tu-darmstadt.de.

(Prof. Dr.-Ing. Li Zhang – HWAI - Hardware for Artificial Intelligence – TU Darmstadt)