Computational & Data Science Research Spec. 2 or 3 - 139471

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s Computer Science and Engineering department, home to the Laboratory of Emerging Intelligence (LEI), seeks a Computational and Data Science Research Specialist. The role advances AI research, system design, and end-user platforms, working with AI faculty and the Department Chair.

Occasional evenings and overtime may be required. The position offers two RP levels (2 or 3) with salary ranges reflecting experience: RP2 $88,000–$124,000 and RP3 $97,200–$182,000 annually.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or Data Science or related field; 2–5 years experience designing end-user applications systems.
• Master's degree or higher preferred; AI research and development experience valued.
• Working knowledge of applications programming, web development, databases and data systems, statistics, and data science concepts.
• Strong knowledge of scalable/distributed systems or performance.
• AI system design, testing, evaluation, models, software development.
• Python, cloud computing, interacting with commercial LLMs, and React programming knowledge.
• Software engineering best practices: code reviews, version control, unit tests, integration tests.
• Ability to solve unusual algorithmic problems and strong CS algorithms knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Advise on and resolve complex research and technology projects/issues; present briefings to leadership, faculty, and students.
• Contribute to research and technical direction in one or more technical specialties.
• Represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences and committees.
• Occasional evenings, weekends and overtime may be required.

Skills

Python

React

Cloud computing

AI systems

Algorithms

Distributed systems

Web development

LLMs

Version control

Testing & QA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Data Science or related field

Master's degree or higher in Computer Science or Data Science or related field or equivalent experience in AI research and development

Job description

Overview

The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department is a world-class leader in computer science and engineering education and research. The Laboratory of Emerging Intelligence (LEI) is hosted by CSE to design and deploy next-generation AI systems and platforms.

Position Overview

Under the direction of the faculty director and in collaboration with AI faculty and the Department Chair, the incumbent will advise on and resolve complex research and technology projects/issues, present research and technical briefings to senior management, faculty and students. The incumbent will contribute to the research and technical direction in one or more technical specialties, and perform advanced research and technology development to contribute to the design of future AI systems. The incumbent may represent the organization at national and international meetings, conferences and committees. Occasional evenings, weekends and overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Occasional evenings, weekends and overtime may be required.

Position Details

This position will be filled at the Computational and Data Science Research Specialist RP title level 2 or level 3, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

• Hiring Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 2 RP, Title Code 005238, is $88,000 - $124,000/year
• Hiring Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 3 RP, Title Code 005239, is $97,200 - $139,000/year

Qualifications

Note: The following are requirements for each level as indicated.

Requirements for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist level 2 RP

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Data Science or related field with computer science experience; demonstrated experience (typically 2-5 years exp.) in designing systems that enable end-user applications is required.
• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science or Data Science or related field or equivalent experience in AI research and development is preferred.
• Working knowledge of applications programming and web development, databases and data systems, statistical methods and tools, and modern biology and applicable field of research.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of scalable/distributed systems or systems performance.
• Strong knowledge of modern system design and AI-related areas such as AI system design, testing, evaluation, AI models, software development.
• Strong knowledge of AI software, AI models, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of Python programming, cloud computing, interacting with commercial LLMs, and React programming.
• Strong knowledge of software engineering best practices (code reviews, version control, unit tests, integration tests).
• Exceptional ability to solve unusual or non-standard algorithmic problems and strong knowledge of algorithms taught in modern CS curricula.

Requirements for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist level 3 RP

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Data Science or related area with computer science experience and experience designing systems that enable end-user applications, or equivalent specialization and/or experience.
• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or Data Science or related area with computer science experience or equivalent specialization and/or equivalent experience in AI research and development is preferred.
• Broad experience in optimizing, benchmarking, HPC performance and power modeling, and analyzing hardware, software, and applications for HPC/data/CI.
• Experience with designing systems that enable end-user applications.
• Experience with research and technology in multiple aspects of creating software platforms and AI programming environments.
• Intermediate knowledge of HPC/data science/CI; demonstrated skills in AI, NLP, ML systems and software systems.
• Advanced skills in HPC hardware/software power and performance analysis, design, modification, implementation and deployment of HPC/data science/CI applications and tools.
• Experience with software and platform architecture/development and domain science knowledge where applicable to design AI applications, platforms and systems.
• Experience working in a complex computing/data/CI environment including HPC, data science infrastructure/tools, and diverse domain science applications.
• Proven ability to map research computing/data/CI needs to requirements and develop solutions; demonstrated ability to implement such solutions.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven ability to work on multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of staff, students, faculty and administrators
• Ability to interface with management and communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to independently resolve broad computing/data/CI problems
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team; able to meet deadlines
• Ability to contribute research and technical content to grant proposals

Special Conditions

• Job offer contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results

Salary and Appointment Details

• This position will be filled at RP 2 or 3 level, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Full Salary Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 2 RP, Title Code 005238, is $88,000 - $124,000/year
• Full Salary Range for Computational and Data Science Research Specialist 3 RP, Title Code 005239, is $97,200 - $182,000/year

• Please note: This is a 75% to 100% Career appointment.

Pay Transparency

Annual Full Pay Range: Unclassified - No data available (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%). Hourly Equivalent: Unclassified - No data available.