Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Computer Science: Algorithms/Hardware Co-Design for Bayesian and Ising Models
About the Opportunity
Northeastern University London Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Computer Science
Algorithms/Hardware Co-Design for Bayesian and Ising Models
Northeastern University London > Computing, Mathematics, Engineering & Natural Sciences
Deadline: 15/11/2026
Funded PhD Project (UK or International Students)
Funding provider: Northeastern University London (NU London) and IMEC
Subject areas: Computer science, electronics
Project start date: January 2027
Supervisors (*lead):
- Bipin Rajendran (Northeastern University London)
- Darren Hurley-Smith (University of Kent)
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science
Mode of study: Full-time
Northeastern University London
As part of a major investment, Northeastern University London (NU London) offers PhD studentships to support interdisciplinary research across the humanities, social sciences and digital sciences. The current studentship is part-funded by IMEC and is offered for four years and includes funding towards fees, a stipend at UKRI rates, an additional London allowance, and associated costs such as training.
NU London is both a UK university governed by UK higher education regulations, and the European campus of Northeastern University – a large, top-tier research intensive, Boston-based institution. Founded in 1898, Northeastern received $230.7m of external research funding in 2022, and is the recognized leader in experience-driven lifelong learning. It has campuses across the United States and Canada (in Boston; Charlotte, North Carolina; Portland, Maine; Oakland, California; San Francisco; Seattle; Silicon Valley; Arlington, Virginia; the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Toronto and Vancouver). Whilst the PhD will be a UK qualification, students will have the opportunity to engage with and visit the Northeastern University network overseas as part of their London-based doctoral studies, providing a truly unique and highly sought-after dimension to their research training.
The Project
The project aims to develop algorithms and hardware architectures for Bayesian and Ising Models that can leverage the intrinsic stochasticity of emerging magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices.
Topics will include:
- Develop robust methodologies for characterising the stochastic behaviour of existing MRAM devices.
- Establish the link between device-level statistics and probabilistic algorithms.
- Build theoretical grounding in probabilistic models (Bayesian and Ising) and how they can be optimized considering the natural characteristics of MRAM devices.
- Use simulation and emulation tools combined with profiling frameworks for energy, latency, and throughput.
- Benchmark across representative workloads (e.g., TinyML, edge vision, federated learning).
The successful candidates will:
- Have a proven, strong educational background in history or a related subject (see eligibility criteria)
- Be excited and inspired by the proposed project area
- Be a self-starter
- Have good communication skills
- Have an inquiring mind and be willing to challenge themselves
The successful candidates will benefit from a brand new campus on the banks of the River Thames next to Tower Bridge. This is an interdisciplinary, vibrant research environment with international collaboration and networking opportunities and dedicated research space. It will form the hub of a highly experienced, multi-institution supervisory team from NU London and the University of Kent.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in November 2026. Candidates are welcome to contact the NU London supervisor with informal enquiries before the application deadline: 15/11/2026 (b.rajendran@nulondon.ac.uk)
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 sufficient number of applications.
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject - 2:1 or 1st (essential)
- Master’s degree in a relevant subject (optional)
English Language requirements:
If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with a score of at least 6.5 in each individual component) or equivalent.
Nationality
Applications are open to UK and international students. Please indicate if you are likely to require a visa on your application. We are unable to support visa costs.
Funding
This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, an annual stipend and an additional London allowance (set at UKRI rates) for 3.5 years.
How to Apply
Please upload a single PDF document comprising of (1) a CV and (2) Covering Letter stating how you meet the requirements and why you are interested in the proposed research project.
Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary.
Position Type
Salary Range
N/A
Additional Information
About the University
Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning , contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.
Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.
Choose NU London
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work /life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass:
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year).
- Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
- Support with private medical insurance.
- Eye test reimbursement.
- Cycle Scheme vouchers.
- 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to:
Bipin Rajendran
They can be reached at the following:
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.
