Research Assistant – IC Design & EDA (RISC‑V & AI Accelerators)

About the role

The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nanyang Technological University seeks a motivated Research Assistant to advance open‑source processor and accelerator architectures. The position involves doctoral‑level research on RISC‑V based processors, AI accelerators, and associated EDA toolchains.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research on open‑source processor architectures and hardware accelerators, focusing on RISC‑V systems.
• Design, implement, and evaluate digital ICs using Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Develop and optimise EDA workflows for design, verification, and physical implementation with open‑source tools.
• Explore architecture‑algorithm co‑design for machine‑learning and AI acceleration.
• Perform performance, power, and area (PPA) analysis of designs.
• Publish findings in top‑tier conferences and journals and contribute to open‑source hardware communities.
• Participate in research group activities, seminars, and collaborations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in processor architecture, digital IC design, or AI hardware acceleration.
• Knowledge of computer architecture, digital systems, and machine‑learning algorithm implementation.
• Experience with ASIC design methodologies and open‑source IC design/EDA tools.
• Prior experience in digital hardware design using Verilog/SystemVerilog.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct high‑quality research and publish in reputable venues.
• Analytical, problem‑solving mindset with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required skills

• Verilog/SystemVerilog
• Open‑source EDA tools
• ASIC design methodologies
• RISC‑V processor design
• Digital IC design