PhD Position (f/m/d) - Memory-Centric NPU Architectures and Emerging Memory Technologies for Edge AI

Job description

As AI models continue to grow in size and complexity, memory subsystems are emerging as a fundamental bottleneck in modern AI accelerators. The efficiency of future NPU-based systems will increasingly depend on how data is stored, moved, and processed across the memory hierarchy. We are looking for a PhD candidate to work on Memory-Centric NPU Architectures and Emerging Memory Technologies for Edge AI. This PhD project focuses on exploring memory-centric AI accelerator architectures that integrate advanced NPUs with emerging memory technologies such as eDRAM and next-generation embedded memories. The goal is to develop innovative hardware/software co-design methodologies that improve performance, power efficiency, memory utilization, and scalability for future edge AI and embedded Generative AI systems. In this role, you will focus on the following research directions: Memory-Centric NPU Architecture Design: Investigate memory-centric NPU subsystem architectures that improve performance, scalability, and energy efficiency for future AI workloads. Emerging Memory Technologies for AI Acceleration: Evaluate and model emerging memory technologies such as eDRAM, GCRAM, and other next-generation embedded memories for future AI accelerators. Analyze their impact on performance, power consumption, silicon area, reliability, and scalability. Hardware/Software Co-Optimization for AI Workloads: Develop hardware/software co-optimization techniques for efficient execution of AI workloads on NPU-based systems. Design Space Exploration and Performance Modeling: Develop architecture exploration frameworks that enable rapid evaluation of future AI subsystem designs and quantify trade-offs across performance, power, area, memory utilization, and workload characteristics. You will work at the intersection of computer architecture, semiconductor memory systems, AI accelerators, embedded systems, and machine learning, helping shape the next generation of NXP AI processors. In this PhD, you will: Conduct research on next-generation NPU subsystem architectures Develop architectural modeling and simulation frameworks Investigate the integration of emerging memory technologies into AI accelerators Build performance, power, and area (PPA) evaluation methodologies for AI hardware design Evaluate real-world AI workloads including CNNs, Transformers, LLMs, VLMs, and multimodal AI systems Analyze trade-offs across performance, power, memory bandwidth, silicon area, scalability, and reliability Publish results in leading conferences and journals Collaborate with experts in semiconductor design, system architecture, AI acceleration, and embedded AI Your Profile: A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Microelectronics, Embedded Systems, or a related field Strong background in one or more of the following: computer architecture digital design embedded systems semiconductor memory systems AI accelerators and NPUs hardware/software co-design digital hardware design Experience with Python and C/C++ Knowledge of computer architecture simulation, performance modeling, or hardware design methodologies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Very good written and spoken English The following experiences would be considered a plus: AI accelerator and NPU architecture RTL development using Verilog/SystemVerilog/VHDL FPGA prototyping Computer architecture simulators Memory hierarchy optimization eDRAM, GCRAM, MRAM, ReRAM, or CXL-based memory systems What you can expect: At NXP, you will work on research that directly contributes to future generations of AI processing hardware. You will have access to state-of-the-art NPU architectures, architecture simulation frameworks, advanced semiconductor design methodologies, and emerging memory technologies currently being investigated for future AI products. You will collaborate with experts in AI hardware architecture, Digital IP design, memory systems, and machine learning while contributing to technologies that can influence future NXP Edge AI and Generative AI processors. This PhD offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge academic research with high industrial relevance and to contribute directly to the development of next-generation AI hardware architectures. Please note that this is a contract in part-time (80%), limited to 3 years. Please note: The successful candidate may/will be responsible for security related tasks. The assignment may/will be in scope of security certifications, therefore a conscious and reliable way of working is necessary. More information about NXP in Germany... #LI-3da9 NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) enables a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world through innovation. As the world leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, NXP is pushing boundaries in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. For more information, visit www.nxp.com Bright Minds. Bright Futures. We believe that a key component to growing our business is to develop our people. To enable you to grow your career at NXP, we offer online and offline learning opportunities to help you develop some of your core and professional skills. Commitment At NXP. We recognize NXP is a powerful change agent as we continue to deliver innovative solutions that advance a more sustainable future. We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and making measurable year-on-year progress. Also, we aim to create an inclusive work environment and we will not tolerate racism, discrimination or harassment of any kind. We have programs in place focused on diversity, inclusion and equality. Thank you for considering a career at NXP. To help you prepare for the different steps in our hiring process, see the following useful advice and tips. Are you already an NXP employee? Do not apply here. Instead, you must apply via our internal career page. Thank you for your interest in supporting our recruitment efforts. Please note that NXP operates under a strict Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for all recruitment activities. Any candidate profiles or resume submitted without a prior written agreement or explicit request from our Talent Acquisition team will be considered unsolicited. 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