AI Computational Scientist - Senior Software Engineer

utaustin; Utah; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson School of Geosciences is seeking an AI Computational Scientist - Senior Software Engineer to advance AI/ML in earth and planetary science across its units. You’ll work with researchers to implement AI workflows, develop scientific software, and help adopt advanced AI methods.

The role requires a strong background in ML, Python, and HPC, plus excellent communication skills to support multidisciplinary teams and training initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Earth sciences, computational sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in software development on complex systems.
• Production experience with at least two programming languages, including scientific Python.
• Experience developing, training, and evaluating ML models using PyTorch/JAX/TensorFlow.
• Experience with Linux-based scientific computing environments and HPC systems.
• Experience using version control and collaborative software development practices.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty and researchers to accelerate geoscience research via AI/ML.
• Design, implement, and evaluate ML workflows for Earth and planetary science.
• Develop scientific AI approaches including neural surrogates and graph networks.
• Collaborate with groups to enhance computational workflows and AI adoption.
• Develop and debug scientific software and computational workflows with researchers.
• Guide AI-assisted software development and evaluate code-generation tools.
• Curate AI-ready geoscience datasets and reference implementations.

Skills

ML model development

Python programming

Linux HPC

Version control

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Earth sciences or related field

Ph.D. in related field (preferred)

Tools

Python

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

Linux

Git

Job description

Job Posting Title: AI Computational Scientist - Senior Software Engineer ----

Hiring Department: John A and Katherine G Jackson School of Geosciences ----

Position Open To: All Applicants ----

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ----

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA ----

Earliest Start Date: Immediately ----

Position Duration: Expected to Continue ----

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS ----

Purpose

The AI Computational Scientist will provide technical expertise and coordination to advance the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Earth and planetary science research across the Jackson School of Geosciences and its three units: the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, the Institute for Geophysics, and the Bureau of Economic Geology. The position is housed in the Office of the Dean and reports to the Special Advisor to the Dean for AI and Computing. It complements and supports the existing computational scientists in the units.

Responsibilities

Research Capacity Building and Scientific AI Development

• Partner with faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and unit computational scientists across the Jackson School of Geosciences to accelerate research through the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods.
• Design, implement, and evaluate machine learning, scientific AI, and data integration workflows for Earth and planetary science research applications.
• Develop and apply scientific AI approaches, including neural surrogates and emulators, graph-network-based simulators, physics-informed neural networks, and foundation-model-based tools for geoscience data.
• Collaborate directly with research groups through embedded engagements to enhance computational workflows, transfer technical expertise, and support adoption of advanced AI methods.
• Develop, review, test, and debug scientific software and computational workflows in partnership with researchers.
• Collaborate with unit computational staff to provide guidance on AI-assisted software development, including evaluation, verification, effective use, and limitations of code-generation tools.
• Curate and maintain shared resources, including inventories of AI-ready geoscience datasets, benchmark problems, and reference implementations for common scientific AI applications.

Teaching and Training Support

• Collaborate with faculty to develop computational learning materials, including notebooks, datasets, exercises, and instructional modules that introduce artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts in undergraduate and graduate geoscience courses.
• Support workshops, training activities, and educational initiatives focused on AI methods, scientific computing, and AI-assisted programming.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation to promote responsible and effective adoption of AI technologies in educational settings.

Strategic Coordination and Administrative AI Development

• Collaborate with the Dean’s Office, academic units, and university partners to identify and advance AI‑related opportunities across the Jackson School of Geosciences.
• Represent the school in university‑level technical AI working groups and communicate opportunities related to computing resources, software licensing, seed funding, and related initiatives.
• Work with Dean’s staff to evaluate, develop, and help implement administrative AI approaches to facilitate workflows and coordinate technology transfer and training for JSG staff.
• Track, document, and report on AI‑related activities, needs, and emerging opportunities across the school.

Perform other related duties as assigned. This position does not administer shared computing infrastructure, provide general information technology support, or manage generative AI model training programs.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Earth sciences, computational sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in software development on complex systems.
• Production experience with at least two programming languages, including scientific Python.
• Demonstrated experience developing, training, and evaluating machine learning models using frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or similar technologies.
• Experience with Linux‑based scientific computing environments and high‑performance computing systems.
• Experience using version control systems and collaborative software development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet established deadlines.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth sciences, computational sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with s