Postdoctoral Research Associate - HPC Confidential Computing and Secure Multi-tenancy

Postdoctoral Research Associate - HPC Confidential Computing and Secure Multi-tenancy

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate in the area of HPC Confidential Computing and Secure Multi-tenancy. The candidate will be able to make research contributions in areas of system software architectures to support secure computing enclaves on large scale HPC and supercomputing resources. The candidate will also contribute to the development of large-scale identity and key management solutions.

Specific areas of research interest include:

• Integration of memory encryption, confidential computing, and trusted execution environments on both CPU and GPU based HPC systems.
• Exploration of the capabilities of DPU/IPU SmartNICs to support network security isolation, platform level root-of-trust, and secure platform management/partitioning.

Major duties/responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with internal and external researchers on system software architectures for secure multi-tenancy.
• Architect secure virtualization-based solutions for sharing a single node between multiple secure workloads.
• Investigate and evaluate mechanisms for secure encrypted communication across RDMA based networks.
• Design and evaluate key distribution and management solutions for large scale HPC platforms.
• Explore the integration of attestation and identification into HPC resource management systems.
• Collaborate in authoring peer reviewed papers, technical papers, reports.
• Seek membership in professional, academic, and research organizations.

Basic qualifications include:

• A PhD in computer science/engineering or relevant area with an education and a research track record in HPC research within past five years.

Preferred qualifications include:

• The ability to work independently and develop and deploy methods at scale.
• Experience in high-performance computing and software development.
• Experience using virtualization-based solutions and/or IaaS platforms.
• The ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms.
• Flexibility in R&D assignments.
• Ability to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and sponsors.
• Interest in mentoring students.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Applicants cannot have received their PhD more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background check investigation.

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family.

Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. Other benefits include the following:
Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.