Two-year Postdoc position on Neuromorphic Image Sensor Design for Space Applications

The Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, SDU, invites applicants for a 2-year Postdoc position, offering applicants an exciting opportunity to join a new research project on neuromorphic imaging for space applications. We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher (post-doctoral researcher) who wishes to design and implement a rad-hard neuromorphic CMOS image sensor to operate in harsh environments, for space applications. 

This project leverages state-of-the-art neuromorphic sensing and brain-inspired computing to enable a new generation of intelligent vision systems for space applications. The project aims to drastically reduce power consumption and data bandwidth while increasing processing speed and dynamic range compared to conventional image sensors. 

The technology is built on event-based neuromorphic imaging, enabling real-time perception and decision-making directly at the sensor level. The project targets key space applications, including Earth observation, planetary exploration, and autonomous spacecraft navigation, and delivers the first space-qualified neuromorphic imaging sensor. 

As an Analog IC Design Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a key role in the design and implementation of a neuromorphic CMOS image sensor and in validating the fabricated prototype for reliable operation under space environmental conditions. 

The position is open from June 2026, and the specific start date will be agreed with the successful candidate.  

As an Analog IC Design Postdoc, your key responsibilities will be: 

• Extract the requirements and specifications in close collaboration with project partners. 
• Participate in the full design cycle, from architecture to implementation, of a neuromorphic image sensor. 
• Contribute to the design of a space-grade test setup for prototype validation. 
• Clearly document design specifications, trade-offs, and measurement results. 

What we offer 

• A stimulating research environment within SDU Microelectronics, a growing section integrating expertise in analog/digital IC design, spintronics, neuromorphic computing, and energy-efficient system architectures. 
• Access to advanced facilities for design, characterization, and system prototyping. 
• Excellent opportunities for collaboration across SDU and with national and international academic and industrial partners in microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technologies. 
• Strong support for professional development through the Lecturer Training Programme and mentoring. 
• An open and collaborative research culture within SDU’s Faculty of Engineering (TEK), promoting interdisciplinary innovation across electronics, materials science, and artificial intelligence. 

What we expect 

Applicants should hold a PhD in electronic engineering (the degree should have been completed within the last 5 years at most): 

• Strong background in analog IC design. 
• Hands-on experience in Cadence analog and mixed-signal IC design tools. 
• Experience in layout design and physical verifications (DRC and LVS) using Calibre and Quantus. 
• Experience with CMOS image sensors is a plus. 
• Experience with Cadence Digital IC design tools (Genus and Innovus) is a plus. 
• Team player with strong collaboration skills. 

All candidates must demonstrate excellent verbal and written English skills, along with very good communication abilities. 

Workplace description 

The successful candidate will join SDU Microelectronics, a dynamic and expanding section at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME). The section conducts internationally recognized research in integrated circuits, spintronics, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, and plays a central role in SDU’s ambition to be a national and European hub for semiconductor and chip innovation. 

Further information 

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Farshad Moradi (moradi@sdu.dk / email), Head of the SDU Microelectronics section and Associate Professor Hooman Farkhani (farkhani@sdu.dk / email), Deputy Head of SDU Microelectronics. 

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae. 
• Master’s and PhD degree certificates or equivalent (original and an official English translation).  
• Complete list of publications.
• Publications most relevant to the position.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching, if relevant to the position. 
• A research statement may be included.
• References/reference letters may also be included.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) 

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. Shortlisting may be applied, and only shortlisted candidates will receive a written assessment. Read about shortlisting at SDU.  Interviews and tests may be part of the overall evaluation.

Read about the Assessment and selection process.  

Conditions of employment

Appointment as a postdoc is temporary for an initial 2-year period, and the preferred start date is from June 2026. Extension may be possible depending on available funding.

Employment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level at the time of employment. Employment will be in accordance with the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics in the state including the associated circular on the protocol for the job structure for academic staff at Danish universities and the provisions for postdoc as described therein. Further information on salary and taxation. Persons employed in the position may, based on a specific individual managerial assessment, be exempted from time registration, also known as a “self-organizer”.

-

The University of Southern Denmark wishes its staff to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. SDU conducts research in critical technologies, which, due to the risk of unwanted knowledge transfer, is subject to a number of security measures. Therefore, based on information from open sources, background checks may be conducted on candidates for the position(s).

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark. You may also visit WorkinDenmark for additional information.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.