Postdoctoral Research Associate in Reliable Neuromorphic, Classical, and Quantum AI

About the Opportunity

The Role

Northeastern University London invites applications for one Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Reliable Neuromorphic, Classical, and Quantum AI to work with Professor Osvaldo Simeone. The successful candidates will join an ambitious research programme aimed at developing theoretically principled and statistically reliable frameworks for next-generation AI, spanning classical, neuromorphic, and quantum paradigms with application to engineering.

The research will focus on the foundations of reliability, uncertainty quantification, and calibration in AI models, addressing the challenges posed by non-deterministic, data-limited, and dynamically evolving environments. Applications include complex engineered systems such as intelligent communication networks, distributed computing platforms, and quantum-enhanced processors.

The candidates will contribute to topics including:

• The offline and online calibration of learning systems through methods such as conformal prediction, hyperparameter optimization, and reliable inference in engineered systems, including telecom networks;

• The development of neuromorphic algorithms and spiking neural models with built-in efficiency and reliability guarantees;

• The design of reliability frameworks for quantum machine learning, including conformal quantum prediction and uncertainty quantification in quantum models;

• Theoretical and algorithmic advances rooted in statistical learning theory, online convex optimization, and multiple hypothesis testing;

• The use of synthetic and quantum-generated data to support model assessment and adaptive decision-making.

Core duties include:

• Conducting independent and collaborative research in reliable and statistically grounded AI, for classical, neuromorphic, and/or quantum systems.

• Developing and analyzing new algorithms for calibration, reliability monitoring, and adaptive decision-making.

• Collaborating closely with international partners in academia and industry, contributing to cross-disciplinary research at the interface of AI, information theory, and physics.

• Publishing results in leading journals and conferences in machine learning, information theory, and quantum information.

• Presenting research findings at project meetings, workshops, and international symposia.

• Supporting the supervision and mentoring of PhD students and research assistants within the group.

• Contributing to the preparation of project deliverables, reports, and future funding proposals.

We particularly encourage applications from those belonging to groups underrepresented in UK higher education.

About the Faculty

The Institute for Intelligent Networked Systems (INSI) is Northeastern University's research center dedicated to making wireless communications exponentially faster, more energy efficient, and more secure. Founded in 2019 at Northeastern's Boston campus and formerly known as the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things, the institute has secured 68 patents and built more than 30 industry partnerships, working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and telecommunications. Its researchers envision a future where people and their environment are seamlessly connected by a continuum of AI-powered devices and networks, from driverless cars and drone swarms to implantable medical devices and smart cities.

Launched in January 2026, the INSI London hub is a transatlantic research centre focused on next-generation connectivity and intelligent computing and learning systems. Based at Northeastern University London and the institute's first research office outside the U.S., the hub acts as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe, advancing interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as AI, quantum information, information processing, and emerging hardware technologies including neuromorphic computing and novel semiconductor architectures. Led by professors Bipin Rajendran and Osvaldo Simeone, the London arm opens the door to expanded European partnerships and broadens the institute's research reach across the continent (see blog).

The Faculty of Computing, Mathematics, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (CoMENS) is undergoing significant growth at Northeastern University London. It is home to four interdisciplinary undergraduate dual-degree (in UK and US) programmes in the areas of Data Science, Data Science and Politics, Computer Science and Business, and Computer Science and Philosophy; four postgraduate programs in the areas of AI Ethics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Technology Leadership; and five degree apprenticeship programmes in the areas of AI, Data Science, Digital and Technology Solutions, and Biosciences.

The faculty plays a major part in Northeastern University’s first-year student mobility program, offering undergraduate courses in Computer and Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Healthcare, striving to inspire and equip entering students to be outstanding scientists.

Person Specification Criteria

To undertake this role, the following should apply – should you not have the experience below, please do highlight where transferable skills would assist with you undertaking the role.

Qualifications

• PhD, or equivalent professional experience, in Machine Learning, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Key Criteria

• Demonstrated experience with mathematical modelling, algorithm design, or theoretical analysis of learning systems.

• Proficiency in Python

• Background in statistical learning theory, conformal prediction, multiple hypothesis testing, quantum machine learning, neuromorphic computing, or reliable inference

• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and publish research

• Excellent written and verbal interpersonal communication skills

• Excellent time-management and organisational skills

Additional Information

Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Osvaldo Simeone ([email protected]). However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application Process

Applications must include a CV and covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and includes names and contact information of up to three references. References will only be sought for short-listed candidates.

Position Type

Research£42,701 per annum

Additional Information

Osvaldo Simeone

They can be reached at the following:

[email protected]

However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified. 

 

Application process 

 

Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date (if applicable).

 

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. 

 

Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae. 

 

The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. 

 

Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staff’s own wellbeing, for part time roles, the expectation is if you have multiple roles, they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week), and for full time roles, the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles).

 

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.