Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science Oak Ridge National Laboratory in United States

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join the Data and AI Systems Research Section/Workflow Systems Group within the Computer Science and Mathematics Division. This position focuses on advancing the development of AI-ready scientific data, optimized workflows, and distributed intelligence across the computing continuum, leveraging world-class resources such as the Frontier supercomputer—the world’s first exascale computing system. The successful candidate will design and implement system software to enable AI-readiness for scientific data, develop adaptive techniques for maintaining data and metadata relationships, and collaborate on innovative solutions to automate and optimize the interplay between large scientific simulations, data ingestion, and AI processes.

Responsibilities include developing agentic AI systems, enhancing model quality and resource optimization, investigating strategies for performance and resilience across heterogeneous computational resources, and validating distributed intelligence algorithms at scale. The role also involves presenting and publishing research results and collaborating with domain experts. Applicants must have a PhD in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, or a related discipline completed within the last five years, with a strong record of research, experience in HPC, AI/ML, and distributed systems, and proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C++.

Preferred qualifications include experience with AI-readiness pipelines, metadata management, and prior exposure to DOE workflows. The appointment is for up to 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. ORNL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, flexible work hours, and various employee amenities.

Applicants must submit three letters of reference and apply through the ORNL applicant tracking system. ORNL is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory with a mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.