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 make research contributions in areas of system software architectures to support secure computing enclaves on large‑scale HPC and supercomputing resources, and 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:

• 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, and reports.
• Seek membership in professional, academic, and research organizations.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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.

Special Requirements:

• HSPD‑12 PIV badge:
  This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD‑12 PIV badge.

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.

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.