Postdoctoral Research Associate - Programming Systems Extreme Heterogeneity

Job Overview

The Computer Science and Mathematics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance programming systems for extreme‑scale, heterogeneous computing. The role focuses on compiler infrastructure, formal verification, runtime systems, and hardware/software codesign, expanding into emerging paradigms such as quantum and analog computational models.

• LLVM Compiler Innovation
  :
  Extend the LLVM toolchain to support autonomous “closed‑loop” optimization environments, enabling AI agents to analyze, transform, and validate intermediate representation with performance‑driven reasoning.
• HPC System Co‑Design
  :
  Investigate methods for AI agents to guide architectural design decisions for massively parallel heterogeneous systems, including integration with quantum or analog co‑processors.
• Performance Engineering at Scale
  :
  Profile, model, and optimize distributed codes using MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, ROCm, and related HPC technologies, bridging theoretical AI models with real hardware constraints.
• Cross‑Paradigm Integration
  :
  Explore unification of classical, quantum, and analog execution models under a shared optimization framework.

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Compiler and Systems Expertise
  :
  Extensive experience with LLVM (e.g., writing passes, IR transformations) and HPC programming in C++, MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, or related models.
• Solid understanding of distributed‑memory systems and manycore architectures.

• Formal Methods
  :
  Experience with automated reasoning or verification tools (e.g., Z3, TLA+, LEAN) to ensure correctness of compiler‑ or AI‑generated code.
• Mathematical Foundations
  :
  Background in linear algebra, graph algorithms, and related areas central to dataflow and tensor optimization.
• Hardware/Software Co‑Design
  :
  Familiarity with architectural simulators (e.g., Gem5, SST) or HDLs.
• Quantum / Analog Computing
  :
  Exposure to quantum programming models (e.g., QIR, Q#, Qiskit, Cirq) or analog/neuromorphic systems and interest in integrating these paradigms into unified compilation and optimization strategies.
• Programming Languages & Frameworks
  :
  Experience with Julia, Rust, Python, Kokkos, OpenSHMEM, or similar emerging ecosystem tools.

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. within the five years preceding the application and must complete all degree requirements before appointment. The appointment lasts up to 24 months, with potential extension based on performance and funding availability.

Three letters of recommendation are required for consideration.

All employees must possess a Real‑ form of identification and a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, as mandated by DOE and other federal regulations. New hires must successfully complete a Federal Tier 1 background check. Foreign nationals who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and may need alternative credentialing.

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Employee assistance and wellness programs

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.