Hardware Designer vacatures in Rotterdam

PhD Position Reconfigurable Memory Architectures for CMOS 2.0 | IMEC collaboration

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

IT

Posted on Feb 19, 2026

Job description

As computing systems evolve toward greater heterogeneity and workload specialization, memory subsystems are becoming critical performance and energy bottlenecks. Emerging applications, such as AI inference, edge computing, and data-centric processing, demand memory architectures that are not only high-performance and energy-efficient but also highly customisable and dynamically adaptable to varying workloads and system constraints.

This research project being part CMOS2.0 Reconfigurable network cluster of the IMEC CMOS2.0 program, explores - in close collaboration with IMEC- the design and optimization of new memory organizations and their reconfigurable versions to build memory systems in the context of advanced CMOS 2.0 technology. This PhD will develop a framework for modelling, simulation and design space exploration to evaluate, and optimize the CMOS 2.0 reconfigurable memory systems across different workloads, incorporating both architectural and circuit-level parameters.

Key Areas of Focus

• High-level simulation tools and models for architectural exploration;
• Support for memory partitioning, parametrisation and runtime reconfiguration;
• Integrating circuit-level parameters (e.g., from SPICE or Cadence simulations) and workload properties into high-level models;
• Workload-centric memory customisation;
• Visualization and analysis tools and methods to guide hardware-software co-design.

Job requirements

For this position, an ideal candidate should have:

• Completed a relevant MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or any other related field relevant to the research;
• Good understanding of computer architecture and memory systems
• Basic understanding of AI and digital hardware is a plus;
• Good programming skills (C and C++ knowledge is a plus);
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students;
• The ability to work in a team and take initiatives.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment - which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Dr. , via

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• 1-page Motivation letter tailored to the position you are applying
• Your CV
• (part of your) papers that you have written, in which you demonstrate your writing (and scientific) skills if applicable.

You can address your application to Prof. Dr. .

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .