Postdoctoral Research Associate, Emerging Architectures and Performance Advanced Computing

Overview

Interested in taking your scientific computing skills to the next level? We are seeking a research scientist to work in a world‑class research group focused on emerging architectures and performance for advanced computing. This position resides in the Architectures and Performance Group (APG) in the Computer Science and Mathematics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The APG designs and prototypes the scientific computing systems of tomorrow.

The APG works closely with domain scientists to solve key computational challenges aligned with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) scientific mission. We conduct research in emerging computing paradigms such as neuromorphic, analog, and quantum computing. We collaborate with other groups across ORNL, as well as with other national laboratories, academia, and industry, to investigate the fast‑moving and dynamic computing landscape.

• Work with project teams to create, evaluate, and publish novel research ideas, mentor students, and collaborate with partners and sponsors. Research activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Rapid prototyping and evaluation of experimental systems, including hardware, software, tools, and applications
• Apply your proficiency in developing sophisticated software systems, such as operating systems, compilers, adaptive runtime systems, or scalable performance tools
• Study the performance, resiliency, power, and efficiency of modern and future high‑performance computing systems under various workload characteristics through measurement, modeling, and simulation
• Publish papers in high‑quality, refereed conferences and journals, such as SC, ASPLOS, ICRC, ISSCC, MICRO, ISCA, HPCA, ICPP, and IEEE TPDS
• Actively collaborate with industry, academia, government labs, and application developers across a variety of venues

• Advance the reputation of ORNL through professional society leadership and involvement, as well as the organization of technical events
• Support group members by reviewing technical products such as proposals, publications, and artifacts to ensure high quality and consistency with ORNL standards
• Assist ORNL principal investigators in writing proposals for new projects
• Adhere to requirements for protecting proprietary or sensitive information and follow ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines

• Ph.D. in electrical, electronics, or VLSI engineering; computer engineering; computer science; computational science; or a closely related field completed within five years of application
• Strong record of impactful research aligned with one or more of the group's focus areas
• Experience with at least one emerging computing paradigm or technology, such as neuromorphic or analog computing, silicon photonics, cryogenic systems, carbon‑nanotube devices, quantum computing, processing‑in‑memory, CXL, or advanced memory systems
• A well‑established track record of research relevant to one or more of the group's areas of expertise

• Strong programming skills in languages such as C++, Python, and preferably Julia
• Proficiency in hardware design using Verilog and high‑level synthesis (HLS) for ASIC and FPGA platforms
• Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and publication
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with a high level of initiative and self‑motivation
• Ability to thrive and grow within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment
• Established expertise and engagement with one or more relevant stakeholders or user communities aligned with the group's research areas

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. 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.

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.