Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

This is a temporary opportunity with an anticipated duration of 2.5 years.

This fellowship will be housed in the Electronic and Neuromorphic Devices and Systems Laboratory of Professor Kurtis Cantley in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Research Leadership: Drive both computational and experimental aspects of spiking neuromorphic architecture design.
• Cross-disciplinary Integration: Bridge measured material properties and device behaviors with performance outcomes at the network/architecture level.
• Scientific Impact: Publish high-impact research in top-tier neuromorphic engineering, circuit design, and/or computing journals and conferences.
• Collaboration: Work closely with materials teams in AWESOME Subprojects 2 and 3 as well as other project collaborators.
• Professional Development: Present research at national/international conferences, contribute to grant proposal writing and development. Participate in reflective mentoring practices in support of team cohesion.
• Mentor in both computational and experimental research methodologies for spiking neuromorphic architectures.
• Train in advanced electrical characterization techniques and lab setup.
• Opportunities to lead undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Help write grants and proposals.
• Collaborate with industry partners, as well as technology transfer opportunities.

35% of time the Post Doctoral Research Fellow will:

• Problem solve research challenges and model development, as applicable.
• Contribute discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
• Assist in teaching classes.

5% of time the Post Doctoral Research Fellow will:

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Basic:

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.

Preferred:

• Experience with integrated CMOS circuit design, verification, and tapeout in standard process technologies using tools such as Cadence.
• Strong background in design and simulation of spiking neuromorphic architectures including encoding schemes, training/learning approaches, and physical implementations.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical testing and circuit validation including wafer microprobe stations or electrical test bench setup and data acquisition using oscilloscopes, function generators, and similar equipment.
• Proficiency in Python programming including ability to install and use spiking neural network simulators such as SNNTorch, NEST, Nengo, etc.
• Experience with semiconductor memory device modeling such as memristors and ferroelectric FETs such as with Verilog-A.

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with spiking neural network design and simulation at the circuit and/or system levels, with corresponding knowledge of hardware implementations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams and mentor students.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
• Experience with integrated CMOS circuit design, verification, and tapeout in standard process technologies using tools such as Cadence.
• Strong background in design and simulation of spiking neuromorphic architectures including encoding schemes, training/learning approaches, and physical implementations.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical testing and circuit validation including wafer microprobe stations or electrical test bench setup and data acquisition using oscilloscopes, function generators, and similar equipment.
• Proficiency in Python programming including ability to install and use spiking neural network simulators such as SNNTorch, NEST, Nengo, etc.
• Experience with semiconductor memory device modeling such as memristors and ferroelectric FETs such as with Verilog-A.

Resume/Curriculum vitae and Cover letter

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/