POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN RISC-V HARDWARE DESIGN AND AI ACCELERATORS

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Centre for Dependable Computing Systems at TalTech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in hardware design, with a focus on RISC-V architectures, custom hardware and AI accelerators. You will play a leading technical role in two nationally funded research projects, working closely with a team of PhD students and with academic and industrial partners in Estonia and abroad. You will be mainly focusing on two projects:

• SPARK-CHIP: Design, Implementation and Validation of Scalable PARametrizable Kernels for Cost-Effective AI Accelerator CHIPs

  
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  Developing scalable, parametrizable hardware kernels for AI accelerators, taking them from architecture exploration through RTL implementation to silicon validation, with a focus on cost-effective chip design.

• RISC-V for Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing

  
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  A joint project with the University of Tartu on RISC-V-based many-core hardware and ISA extensions that support the classical control and error-correction tasks needed for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Your role

• Lead hardware architecture and design work in both projects, from specification to RTL, verification and tape-out

• Design custom RISC-V ISA extensions and the matching hardware–software co-design flow

• Develop and optimize AI accelerator architectures and hardware kernels

• Guide PhD students, coordinate their technical work, and keep project deliverables on track

• Publish in leading venues and contribute to new research proposals and collaborations

Who we are looking for

Required

• PhD in computer engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related field, specialized in hardware design

• Hands-on experience with RISC-V and ISA extension

• Solid expertise in hardware–software co-design and custom hardware design

• Strong background in computer architecture and digital hardware design down to chip design and tape-out

• Experience with AI accelerator architectures

• A strong research track record and the ability to work as an independent researcher

• Experience in team management, running projects and delivering results

• Excellent written and spoken English

Advantageous

• Experience with ASIC flows (synthesis, place-and-route, sign-off) and FPGA prototyping

• Knowledge of dependability, fault tolerance or reliability of hardware

• Familiarity with quantum computing or quantum error correction

• Experience in writing research proposals

What we offer

• A competitive salary: salary range for this position is 3,000-3,300 EUR/month

• An exceptional opportunity to extend your research skills across AI hardware and quantum computing systems

• Close collaboration with multiple PhD students and national and international partners

• Access to chip design tools, FPGA platforms and tape-out opportunities through the projects

• A research environment within one of the leading groups in dependable computing in Europe

• Life in Tallinn, a safe, digital-first and highly livable European capital

Contract: full-time, 2 years, with possibility of extension

Start date: as soon as possible

For further information please contact Prof. Jaan Raik (jaan.raik@taltech.ee) and Dr. Mohammad Hasan Ahmadilivani (mohammad.ahmadilivani@taltech.ee).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following documents via the application link by Dec. 15, 2026 (the application deadline):

1. Cover letter (max. 2 pages) describing your motivation and relevant experience, especially in chip design and RISC-V

2. CV with full publication list

3. Short research statement (max. 2 pages) on how you would contribute to the projects

4. PhD diploma and a link to your thesis

5. Contact details of two or three references
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Department of Computer Systems is a unit within the School of Information Technologies engaged in teaching, research, and development, focusing on the creation of secure, reliable, and intelligent computer systems.

The research in the Centre for Dependable Computing Systems covers a wide range of topics in the areas of design, reliability, security, verification and testing of nanoelectronic systems (including multi-/many-core systems). The centre is the initiator of several pan-European actions. The centre coordinates the Horizon2020 Marie Skłodowska Curie ITN RESCUE project and is a partner in the national ICT centre of research excellence EXCITE.

TalTech is a technical university of Nordic caliber, creating solutions through cutting-edge science, technology, and entrepreneurship to advance Estonia’s economy, society, and the well-being of its people. We offer study opportunities grounded in scientific and technological advancement across all levels of higher education - spanning engineering, technology, natural sciences, and social sciences - and, as Estonia’s only technical university, we ensure a steady supply of future engineers and scientists.

We employ over 2,000 researchers, lecturers, and professionals across various fields, united by the opportunity to engage in meaningful, impactful work. At TalTech, you can grow alongside leaders in your field and become part of an ambitious, close-knit community.

At TalTech your research makes an impact!