Postdoctoral Research Associate - HPC System Architecture and Intelligent Storage Design

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to join the Technology Integration group and advance research in high-performance computing (HPC) system architecture and intelligent storage design.

About the role

The successful candidate will contribute to scalable storage and memory architectures, telemetry-driven system optimization, and application-driven performance analysis for HPC, scientific Artificial Intelligence (AI), and scientific edge computing. NCCS is home to some of the world’s fastest supercomputers and storage systems, offering a unique environment for cutting-edge research.

Research focus

• Telemetry collection and analysis to inform system optimization, workload characterization, and predictive fault tolerance in HPC systems.
• Architectural exploration and performance modeling of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and DDR memory systems for data-intensive scientific computing.
• Redesign of storage systems to meet evolving demands in AI/ML and edge-to-HPC workflows, including data movement, retention policies, and user-defined storage behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external researchers on data and storage-related projects for HPC, scientific AI, and scientific edge computing.
• Conduct I/O and storage performance characterization of HPC and scientific AI applications or libraries on multi-tier HPC storage systems.
• Collect, analyze, and leverage telemetry data from HPC systems to support data-driven design decisions and performance tuning.
• Explore trade-offs in DDR and HBM usage patterns and propose architectural improvements for mixed-memory and bandwidth-intensive workloads.
• Design and evaluate ephemeral, user-configurable, and composable data and storage systems.
• Develop system-level approaches for time-sensitive or data-intensive processing of data originating at scientific edge systems using large-scale HPC/AI resources.
• Coauthor peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations.
• Seek membership and service opportunities in professional, academic, and research organizations.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, computer engineering, or a relevant field awarded within the past five years, with a research track record in HPC, AI, edge systems, or storage research.
• Must complete all degree requirements before starting the appointment.
• Appointment length up to 24 months with potential for extension, subject to performance and funding availability.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

Preferred qualifications

• Ability to work independently to design and deploy methods at scale.
• Familiarity with hardware-software co-design, memory hierarchies (DDR, HBM), and system-level telemetry tools.
• Experience in HPC software development for applications, middleware, or system software.
• Flexibility to adapt to diverse R&D projects and tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and sponsors.
• Interest in mentoring student interns.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan and contributory pension plan.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Flexible work hours and on-site amenities (fitness center, banking, cafeteria).
• Employee assistance plan and wellness programs.
• Educational assistance, relocation assistance, and employee discounts.
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection.
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.