Senior Data Scientist - AI Assurance Researcher

Overview

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution focused on national security, energy resilience, and advanced science. The AI and Data Analytics Division within the National Security Directorate drives data‑driven solutions to complex real‑world challenges. PNNL’s Mission is to conduct cutting‑edge science that safeguards U.S. interests and improves quality of life worldwide.

• Lead design, execution, and analysis of large‑scale machine learning experiments, including HPC‑based experiments lasting weeks.
• Evaluate AI systems across performance metrics and generalization to out‑of‑distribution scenarios.
• Develop high‑quality research code, establish best practices, and enable research integration across teams.
• Assess empirical results to determine future research directions and experimental steps.
• Conduct work in secure environments and operate from an operational security perspective.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

• BS/BA with 5+ years of relevant experience OR MS/MA with 3+ years OR PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience.
• Degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related field.
• Familiarity with current ML research landscape, especially xAI, adversarial ML, AI safety, and deep learning science.
• Hands‑on experience analyzing internal structures of large language models and large vision models.
• Familiarity with PyTorch and other deep‑learning libraries.
• SCI Clearance required.

This position requires a federal security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a federal background investigation (10 CFR 710, Appendix B), and meet eligibility for access to classified matter. Pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, is mandatory for all candidates.

PNNL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans are provided.