Research Engineer - HPC memory systems (RE1)

Barcelona Supercomputing Center; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Restaurant tickets

Private health insurance

Relocation support

Job summary

The Memory Systems group at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center invites applications for a full-time Research Engineer position focused on advanced memory systems for AI applications. You will profile HPC workloads, develop performance models, and prototype memory technologies including HBM, DDR, and CXL memory expanders, collaborating with an industry partner.

We seek candidates with strong C/C++, Python, and Unix/Linux skills, fluent English, and a passion for memory-centered research.

Qualifications

• BSc, MSc or PhD in Computer Science.
• Strong knowledge of computer architecture.
• Experience with Unix/Linux environments.
• Experience with profiling tools: hardware counters, PAPI interface.
• Programming in C/C++, Python.
• Understanding memory systems (DRAM, HBM) is a plus.
• Experience with hardware/system simulators is a plus.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Good written and verbal communication; initiative.

Responsibilities

• Profiling and performance modeling of HPC applications on high-end servers with advanced memory systems: HBM, DDR4/5, CXL memory expanders.
• Exploration of memory systems and near-data processing concepts for HPC/AI.
• Prototyping of industrial products and tools.
• Close interaction and reporting to industrial partners.
• Benchmarking and performance analysis of high-end hardware and prototypes.

Skills

Computer architecture

Unix/Linux

C/C++

Python

English

Education

BSc, MSc or PhD in Computer Science

Tools

PAPI

Job description

Starting date: Nov 2026

Job Reference: 457_26_CS_HAM_RE1

Position: Research Engineer - HPC memory systems (RE1)

Closing Date: Friday, 30 October, 2026

Reference: 457_26_CS_HAM_RE1

Job title: Research Engineer - HPC memory systems (RE1)

About BSC The Barcelona Supercomputing Center - Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) is the leading supercomputing center in Spain. It houses MareNostrum, one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, was a founding and hosting member of the former European HPC infrastructure PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe), and is now hosting entity for EuroHPC JU, the Joint Undertaking that leads large-scale investments and HPC provision in Europe. The mission of BSC is to research, develop and manage information technologies in order to facilitate scientific progress. BSC combines HPC service provision and R&D into both computer and computational science (life, earth and engineering sciences) under one roof, and currently has over 1000 staff from 60 countries.

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We are particularly interested for this role in the strengths and lived experiences of women and underrepresented groups to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights in science and IT research. In instances of equal merit, the incorporation of the under-represented sex will be favoured.

We promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, fostering an environment where each and every one of us is appreciated for who we are, regardless of our differences.

If you consider that you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to continue applying for the job offer. We value diversity of experiences and skills, and you could bring unique perspectives to our team.

Context And Mission

The Memory Systems group in the Computer Science Department at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center is offering a full-time research engineer position for a project that explores advanced memory systems for AI applications.

The performance of AI models is typically limited by the memory wall. In this project, we aim to (re)move this wall by designing memory systems tailored to the requirements of AI models. We will explore systems based on HBM, DDR, GDDR devices, and Compute Express Link (CXL) memory expanders. Additionally, we will consider near-data processing architectures that offload part of the CPU/GPU processing to the memory system.

The project is conducted in close collaboration with a major memory manufacturer. Most of the development will take place on high-end hardware products and industrial prototypes.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates interested in joining a research team with over a decade of experience in industrial projects with major hardware companies from the US, China, and Korea.

Key Duties

• Profiling and performance modeling of HPC applications running on high-end servers with advanced memory systems: HBM, DDR4/5, CXL memory expanders.


• Exploration of Processing in Memory for HPC and Ai applications.


• Prototyping of industrial products and tools.


• Close interaction and reporting to industrial partners.


• Benchmarking and performance analysis of high-end hardware products and industrial prototypes.

Requirements

• Education
  
  
  
  • BSc, MSc or PhD in Computer Science
  
  
  
  


• Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
  
  
  
  • Good knowledge of computer architecture
  
  
  • Experience with Unix/Linux environments
  
  
  • Experience with profiling tools: Hardware counters, PAPI interface
  
  
  • Programming languages (C/C++, Python)
  
  
  
  


• Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
  
  
  
  • Understanding of memory systems and memory technologies (e.g. DRAM, HBM) is a plus
  
  
  • Experience with hardware/system simulators is a plus
  
  
  • Fluency in English is essential
  
  
  
  


• Competences
  
  
  
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  
  
  • Ability to take initiative
  
  
  
  

Conditions

• The position will be located at BSC within the Computer Sciences Department


• We offer a full-time contract (35h/week), a good working environment, a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working hours, extensive training plan, restaurant tickets, private health insurance, support to the relocation procedures


• Duration: Open-ended contract due to technical and scientific activities linked to the project and budget duration


• Holidays: 22 days of holidays + 6 personal days + 24th and 31st of December per our collective agreement


• Salary: we offer a competitive salary commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate and according to the cost of living in Barcelona


• Starting date: Nov 2026

Deadline

The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. Applications will be regularly reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted.

BSC-CNS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable state or local law.