Research Scientist

Do you want to lead groundbreaking research at the intersection of semiconductor physics and artificial intelligence?

Sony AI is seeking a highly motivated, visionary Research Scientist with deep expertise in Digital Circuit Design, digital circuitry for image processing algorithms, and Machine Learning / AI to join our extraordinary research team. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to lead the integration of AI technologies in revolutionising methodologies for crafting digital chips.

We are looking for someone with a digital chip design background who has already acquired machine learning experience and is interested in advancing the emerging field of AI for chip design. Alternatively, we are also open to researchers with a machine learning and AI background who already have experience with research questions in digital chip design and EDA, physical simulations of hardware devices, or algorithms for image sensor hardware.

Join our team of renowned scientists exploring AI's impact on human creativity and semiconductor progress. In this role, you will lead and contribute to our project in AI for digital chip design, bridging the gap between traditional circuit design and pioneering machine learning.

We seek individuals who are bold enough to operate on the forefront and develop solutions that will improve the lives of individuals worldwide. So, if you want to make the world say wow, let's talk.

Learn more about Sony AI here:
Roles and Responsibilities:

- Pioneer new methodologies for integrating AI/ML models into traditional EDA workflows
- Develop novel machine learning algorithms specifically tailored for digital design challenges across front-end and back-end chip design, for example
- mapping and routing,
- early predictors of power-performance and area,
- clock-tree prediction and synthesis,
- RTL simulation,
- graph-based circuit modelling,
- image sensor quality/yield assessment.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

- Educational background in electrical engineering, machine learning, optimization, computer science, applied physics, or related field
- Strong proficiency in either circuit design OR machine learning (we welcome experts from both domains)
- Experience with digital circuit design
- Familiarity with basic software development workflows: Git version control, GitLab/GitHub collaboration
- Good working knowledge of python
- Excellent oral and written English

Preferred qualifications:

- Research experience (PhD) and published studies and/or prior exposure to the semiconductor industry
- Experience with floor-planning and layout algorithms, hardware-design languages, or proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools, digital design and verification is a plus
- Expertise in machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX.
- Knowledge of specialised ML areas, e.g. one or multiple LLMs for code generation, agentic LLMs, GNNs, RL, vision models and low-level image algorithms, optimization, physics-based simulation, etc.
- Excellent programming skills (e.g. HDL, Verilog, python)
- Willingness to occasionally travel to Japan (when based in Switzerland)
- Working knowledge of Japanese is a plus

Your new office:
Surrounded by Swiss Alps, the Schlieren office is at the doorstep of Zurich, which is consistently voted in top three best cities to live. The city benefits from a very rich ecosystem where prestigious universities, research institutes, companies and organizations collaborate for the development and design of next generation technologies. Our office is very well connected with public transports (train, tram, bus) and located in a very modern and bright building. We have several enjoyable break rooms as well as a terrace which we use for regular social team events or as a casual working area. Our team is unique and international, representing engineering and sales/marketing functions, which creates this unique and passionate Sony Swiss DNA.

Life at Sony Research:
Our work environment is diverse and motivated with an innovative open mindset. Sony AI is committed to building a diverse team of people with different characters, stories and skillsets because we know this drives innovation and creativity. Our commitment to nurturing a friendly and supportive place of work where everyone has a sense of belonging and inclusion creates an atmosphere of learning and personal growth. We focus on achieving healthy work-life balance for our teams, supported by hybrid and flexible working.

You will work on exciting projects at the cutting edge of AI that are in the realms of entertainment or for the betterment of society, and you will have access to the most innovative technologies from across the Sony universe and the opportunity to partner with Sony’s leading companies.

When projects are finished, we publish our work, and all our contributors are recognised on research pieces, at top-tier conferences, and in journals. You will also have access to workshops and develop