Postdoctoral Research Associate - Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics

About the Role

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) provides state-of-the-art computational and data science infrastructure for technical and scientific professionals to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering advances across a broad range of disciplines. As part of the High-Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, NCCS hosts the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility. A postdoctoral associate position is available for candidates interested in performing leading-edge computational science research and development, focusing on software development for lattice quantum chromodynamics (Lattice QCD) calculations. This role is within the Advanced Computing for Nuclear, Particle and Astrophysics Group in the Science Engagement section of NCCS.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with ORNL researchers to use OLCF resources effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and port scalable science applications and algorithms for OLCF and other leadership computers.
• Debug and tune applications for high performance.
• Develop performance models of existing scalable applications for future architectures using proxy or mini-applications.
• Apply large-scale computational methodologies to meet scientific objectives.
• Conduct research and report results in journal publications, conference papers, and technical manuals.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theoretical physics, computational physics, computer science, applied mathematics, computational science, or a related discipline, earned no more than five years prior to the application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong computational science background in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of application development techniques (programming models, algorithms, software) at scale (large processor counts).
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, organizational skills, and strong personal motivation.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, team environment.
• Experience with Lattice Gauge Theories software packages (Chroma, CPS, MILC, QUDA, Grid, etc.).
• Familiarity with C/C++ and accelerator programming models (CUDA, HIP, SYCL, OpenMP, Kokkos, Raja), vectorization, MPI, and one-sided asynchronous programming models.
• Experience in heterogeneous computing, debugging massively parallel algorithms, and code performance profiling.

Special Requirements

• Applicants must complete all Ph.D. requirements before starting the appointment.
• The appointment length is up to 24 months, with potential extension based on performance and funding.
• Must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable Tier 1 background investigation.
• Foreign national candidates must meet residency requirements for PIV eligibility or obtain a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. With over 7,000 employees, ORNL fosters an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. The laboratory offers competitive pay, benefits, and amenities, including medical and retirement plans, flexible work hours, on-site facilities, and programs for well-being, education, and professional development.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days or until a qualified candidate is hired. ORNL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.