Do you want to play a crucial role in developing new applications for the next generation of computer technology? At CogniGron, a globally recognized research center of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a Research Leader Demonstrator Program to join our team.
As a Research Leader Demonstrator Program, you will be closely involved in the development and execution of innovative demonstrator programs within CogniGron. These programs connect concrete real-world challenges from industry with CogniGron’s fundamental research. You will lead the interaction with the stakeholders, set up the research projects in a co-design process and take a leading role in delivering concrete demonstrators (prototypes, proofs of concept) that showcase how the new technology can be applied in practice.

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 lead a team comprising at least 2 PhD students, and 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.

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.

Working Environment
At the University of Groningen, we ensure that everyone can make the most of their potential. We are a large university, home not only to passionate researchers and lecturers but also to professionals in valuable supporting roles. Our university is actively engaged in society, and we consider it important to care for our environment. We aim to stimulate the talent, ambition, and performance of over 34,000 students and 6,500 staff as much as possible.

CogniGron is an internationally recognized research center within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). We conduct fundamental research on self-learning materials and systems for the next generation of computer chips. These chips must address growing data traffic and rising energy demands. Inspired by the human brain, we develop chips that can be up to 10,000 times more energy-efficient than current models. Our goal is to create a blueprint for “future-proof computing.”