Postdoctoral Research Associate - Programming Systems for Extreme Heterogeneity

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

On-site fitness facility

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance programming systems for extreme-scale, heterogeneous computing. You will work at the intersection of compiler infrastructure, formal verification, runtime systems, and hardware/software co-design to push AI-assisted optimization across CPUs, GPUs, accelerators, and emerging quantum/analog devices.

The role emphasizes autonomous system engineering where AI agents understand algorithmic intent, architectural constraints, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong experience with LLVM toolchain, IR transformations, and HPC programming (C++, MPI, OpenMP, CUDA).
• Solid understanding of distributed-memory systems and many-core architectures.

Responsibilities

• Advance the LLVM toolchain to support autonomous closed-loop optimization with AI-driven analyses.
• Investigate AI-guided HPC system co-design for massively parallel heterogeneous systems including quantum/analog co-processors.
• Profile, model, and optimize distributed codes using MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, ROCm, and related HPC technologies.
• Explore unifying classical, quantum, and analog execution models under a common optimization framework.

Skills

LLVM

HPC programming

C++

Distributed-memory

Formal methods

Quantum/analog computing

Languages: Julia/Python/Rust

Education

PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Gem5

SST

HDLs

QIR/Q#

Job description

Overview

The Computer Science and Mathematics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Researcher to advance programming systems for extreme-scale, heterogeneous computing. This role sits at the intersection of compiler infrastructure, formal verification, runtime systems, and hardware/software co‑design—expanding into emerging paradigms such as quantum and analog computational models.

You will explore how compilers, runtimes, and AI-driven agents can co‑optimize complex architectures, reasoning across conventional processors (CPUs/GPUs), custom accelerators, and next‑generation quantum and analog devices. Your work will contribute to a vision of autonomous system engineering in which AI agents understand algorithmic intent, architectural constraints, and performance models—driving system co‑design across the entire computing stack.

Requisition Id 16505

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• LLVM Compiler Innovation: Advance the LLVM toolchain to support autonomous “closed‑loop” optimization environments, enabling AI agents to analyze, transform, and validate IR with performance‑driven reasoning.
• HPC System Co‑Design: Investigate methods through which AI agents guide architectural design decisions for massively parallel heterogeneous systems, including pathways that integrate quantum or analog co‑processors.
• Performance Engineering at Scale: Profile, model, and optimize distributed codes using MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, ROCm, and related HPC technologies while bridging theoretical AI models with real hardware constraints.
• Cross‑Paradigm Integration(new optional emphasis): Explore how compilers and runtimes can unify classical, quantum, and analog execution models under a shared optimization framework.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Compiler and Systems Expertise: Strong experience with LLVM (e.g., writing passes, IR transformations) and HPC programming in C++, MPI, OpenMP, CUDA, or related models.
• Solid understanding of distributed‑memory systems and many‑core architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal Methods: Experience with automated reasoning or verification tools (e.g., Z3, TLA+, LEAN) to ensure correctness of compiler‑ or AI‑generated code.
• Mathematical Foundations: Background in linear algebra, graph algorithms, and related areas central to dataflow and tensor optimization.
• Hardware/Software Co‑Design: Familiarity with architectural simulators (e.g., Gem5, SST) or HDLs.
• Quantum / Analog Computing: Exposure to quantum programming models (e.g., QIR, Q#, Qiskit, Cirq) or analog/neuromorphic systems; interest in integrating these paradigms into unified compilation and optimization strategies.
• Programming Languages & Frameworks: Experience with Julia, Rust, Python, Kokkos, OpenSHMEM, or similar emerging ecosystem tools.

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. 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.

Security, Credentialing, And Eligibility Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors.

The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family.

Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

• 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
• Employee Discounts

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

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.