In this position, the focus is not on publications but on creating tangible demonstrators. Moreover, we strive to develop spin-offs arising from this demonstrator program, ensuring that our innovative technology firmly takes root in the market. You will as part of a team of Research Leads and PhD students be responsible for the implementation of the demonstrator program as well as the engagement with industry. Furthermore, you will be in charge of communication with companies, coordinate translation of real-world use cases into research projects and promote activities translating fundamental knowledge into energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology. In doing so, you will help CogniGron achieve our ambition of developing future-proof chips. The demonstrator programme will become part of the NWO-funded national long-term program “10x-Factor(y)”.

Why should you consider this position?

• Collaboration with industry: You will maintain close contacts with the business sector, connecting the end-user perspective with the research perspective.
• Supporting innovation: You will play a key role in developing new computer technologies that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than today’s chips.
• (Inter)national collaboration: You will work with leading researchers and build an (inter)national network.
• Broad range of tasks: You will combine a leading role in interactions with companies with project management of scientific research towards demonstrators using a co-design process; you will coordinate a team of 2-3 PhD candidates and initiate grant applications.

Tasks and Responsibilities

As Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will:

• Collaborate with researchers, domain experts and stakeholders from industry to translate real-world use cases into clear research questions.
• Develop and manage demonstrator research projects for energy-efficient, brain-inspired technology (neuromorphic computing) in close collaboration with the demonstrator PhD students’ supervisors.
• Consolidate the scientific expertise within CogniGron and connect to relevant national and international knowledge partners.
• Together with companies, explore funding opportunities and grants, contributing substantively to new PhD research proposals, with the CogniGron program office providing process support.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds an MSc or PhD in a relevant field with demonstrable research experience in a field that aligns with CogniGron’s research lines, preferably with experience in demonstrator or valorization projects.
• Has experience in stakeholder engagement and/or business development.
• Has experience in project coordination, preferably in projects where academia and industry collaborate.
• Possesses excellent (interdisciplinary) communication skills.
• Has a relevant (inter)national network or can quickly build one to establish collaborations and secure research funding.
• Preferably has experience supervising a team (of junior researchers and students).

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.