Hardware-aware embedded AI for innovative healthcare applications

We are looking for highly motivated PhD researchers with an interest in communication systems design. The applicant should : - have a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science,- have a strong background in AI-enabled signal processing and machine learning algorithms,- experience with (Edge AI) embedded platforms (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, NPU, FPGA),- proficient in programming languages like C, C++ and Python for code development and ML model training and inference,- be ranked within the top 10% of their class in MSc and BSc, and have exceptional grades,- have has strong communication skills and is fluent in English,- have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team.This research aims to design and implement a hardware-aware Neural Architecture Search (NAS) framework that can automatically generate efficient deep learning models optimized for specific embedded hardware platforms. These models will be deployed in resource-constrained, standalone devices—such as wearable sensors, portable diagnostic tools, or implantable systems—where real-time performance, energy efficiency, and reliability are critical.Unlike traditional NAS approaches that focus primarily on accuracy, this project emphasizes hardware-awareness, integrating constraints such as memory footprint, latency, power consumption, and compute capabilities directly into the search process. The resulting framework will enable on-device intelligence without reliance on cloud connectivity, ensuring privacy, robustness, and low-latency decision-making in sensitive healthcare environments.While healthcare is the primary focus, the framework will be designed to be modular and adaptable, making it applicable to other domains such as smart manufacturing, environmental monitoring, autonomous systems, and wearable consumer electronics.The e-Media Research Lab is a research section of Dynamical Systems, Signal Processing, and Data Analytics (STADIUS) in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven. The e-Media Lab's research includes topics related to signal processing, data analysis, machine learning, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). e-Media made significant contributions to critical applications in the domains of Industry 5.0, bio-medical sensing, healthcare, and education. In particular, e-Media is exploring novel tinyML technologies to enhance the intelligence and energy efficiency of resource-constrained devices.We offer : - A PhD scholarship for up to 4 years (subject to positive intermediate evaluations). If the applicant is non-EER, up to 1 year of pre-doc will also be supported.- An exciting research environment, working on the intersection between theory and implementation in a very multi-disciplinary research environment.- A PhD title from a highly ranked university (#1 in Europe in terms of scientific innovation) after approximately 4 years of successful research.- A thorough scientific education, the possibility of becoming a world-class researcher.- A KU Leuven affiliation, one of the largest research universities in Europe.- You will be working on a state-of-the-art topic with state-of-the-art laboratories.- The possibility to participate in international conferences, workshops and collaborations with top EU research teams.