Research Scientist, AI Accelerator Design and VLSI - New College Grad 2026

About the role

NVIDIA Research is seeking a PhD researcher to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI hardware and software co-design, AI hardware accelerator architecture, IC design methodology, and VLSI design.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to novel research advancing the state-of-the-art in AI accelerator design.
• Research creative and innovative ASIC and VLSI design techniques and/or novel digital VLSI circuits.
• Apply machine learning, generative AI, and innovative tools and methodologies to automated ASIC and VLSI design tool flows.
• Research and develop creative and innovative numerical methods for quantization, sparsity, or tensor decomposition grounded in computer arithmetic fundamentals and digital VLSI circuits.
• Collaborate on the development of research prototype testchips.
• Collaborate with AI researchers and hardware team members in research and product teams.
• Publish and present your original research, speak at conferences and events.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• VLSI Implementation Skills: Experience in hardware design with proficiency in modern EDA tool flows.
• Programming & Systems Skills: Proficiency in at least two of Python, PyTorch, C++, SystemVerilog, or CUDA.
• Publications in top circuit, architecture, and/or AI/ML venues.
• Domain & Technical Expertise: PhD research experience in either VLSI (e.g., digital VLSI circuits and chip design methodologies), computer architecture, and/or numerical algorithms for AI model HW/SW co-design.
• Excellent self-motivation, a high degree of creativity, and a passion for research, collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience communicating technical work (e.g., academic presentations, poster sessions); ability to synthesize and explain complex technical concepts.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Skills

• Experience in hardware design with proficiency in modern EDA tool flows.
• Proficiency in at least two of Python, PyTorch, C++, SystemVerilog, or CUDA.
• PhD research experience in either VLSI (e.g., digital VLSI circuits and chip design methodologies), computer architecture, and/or numerical algorithms for AI model HW/SW co-design.
• Excellent self-motivation, a high degree of creativity, and a passion for research, collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience communicating technical work (e.g., academic presentations, poster sessions); ability to synthesize and explain complex technical concepts.

Benefits

• NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers.
• We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us.
• If you're creative, autonomous and love a challenge, we want to hear from you!

Pay

• Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
• The base salary range is 168,000 USD - 264,500 USD.

Schedule

• You will be eligible for equity and benefits.

Contact

• Applications for this job will be accepted at least until February 9, 2026.

Company Information

• NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
• We highly value diversity in our current and future employees.