About the Opportunity

Position Overview

Discipline: Engineering

Faculty: Computing, Mathematics, Engineering and Natural Sciences (CoMENS)

Location: London, Devon House (St Katherines Dock)

Term: 2 years, fixed term, full-time

Salary Range: Grade 6, pt 32 (£42,701) per role, per annum

(may be appointed at a higher spine point if more experienced).

Start: January 2026

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Neuromorphic Accelerators to work with Professor Bipin Rajendran.

The successful candidate will work on the design, implementation and validation of hardware accelerators for state-of-the-art AI models based on neuromorphic computing and In-Memory Computing (IMC) principles for applications in enterprise, IoT and Networked Systems.

Core duties include:

• Contribute to the design and development of hardware accelerators for training, fine-tuning, and inference of SOTA AI models implemented within a neuromorphic framework.

• Develop and evaluate algorithms and architectures for energy-efficient training and inference on neuromorphic and IMC platforms.

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams in information theory, hardware design, AI/ML algorithms, and systems software to enable end-to-end integration.

• Publish high-quality research results in leading journals and conferences in AI hardware, neuromorphic computing, IoT/Networked systems, and computer architecture.

• Supporting the supervision and mentoring of PhD and MSc students working in the group.

• Engage with industrial and academic collaborators to support technology transfer and joint research activities.

• Contribute to project reporting, proposal writing, and broader dissemination of research outcomes.

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

About the Faculty

The Faculty of Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes in the areas of Data Science, Data Science and Politics, Computer Science and Business, and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programs in the areas of AI Ethics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI, Data Science, Digital and Technology Solutions, and Biosciences.

The faculty plays a major part in Northeastern University’s first-year student mobility program, offering undergraduate courses in Computer and Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Healthcare, striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

The Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things (WIoT) at Northeastern University London focuses on advancing next-generation wireless systems and intelligent connectivity. Building on WIoT’s global research leadership, the London campus brings together expertise in AI, neuromorphic computing, and wireless communications to explore transformative technologies for 6G and beyond. The institute fosters close collaboration with industry and academia, providing an interdisciplinary environment for innovation, hardware prototyping, and impactful real-world research.

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 AI hardware accelerator design in top-tier conferences and/or journals

● Previous experience with design and validation of large-scale ML models and/or probabilistic, neuromorphic, Transformer, and/or State space models

● Experience with ASIC/FPGA design, hardware prototyping and/or tapeout

● Effective communication (oral and written) skills, ability to write research reports and papers in 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@northeastern.edu). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

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

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.

Interviews are expected to take place between 9/2/2026 and 13/2/2026.

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 sufficient number of qualified applications.

Position Type

Salary Range

£42,701 per annum

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:

Alice Caryer

They can be reached at the following:

a.caryer@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.