Research Specialist: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

The Global Computing Laboratory (GCLab) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), conducts research in high-performance computing (HPC), AI-driven workflows, data management, and reproducibility in scientific computing. Our work addresses challenges in scalable data systems, workflow automation, and sustainable AI for exascale and cloud-HPC environments. We collaborate with national laboratories, universities, and industry partners through NSF and DOE-funded projects.

The GCLab is seeking a Research Specialist to independently support and conduct research projects in the field of high-performance computer architecture. The work assists with the development of a model that tunes HPC applications to maximize workflow performance and robustness even under conditions of system contentions and execution nondeterminism. In addition, this position will serve as a mentor for undergraduate students on the project and submit papers and presentations to refereed journals and conferences.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

Model nondeterminism in HPC applications:

• Conduct literature review.
• Run computer experiments and optimization; and
• Perform data check and analysis.
• Monitor to ensure that project milestones are being met

Reporting:

• Prepare manuscripts to publish research results in peer-reviewed technical journals and conference proceedings.
• Prepare reports and give presentations on the project progress regularly.
• Provide preliminary results and write discussion of concepts for submission to granting agencies and foundation.

Coordination:

• Independently coordinate the collaborative research activities with the collaborator at partnering institutions to ensure that project milestones are being achieved.

Mentorship:

• Mentor undergraduate students while they perform research tasks on the project

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• B.S. degree in Computer Science, Computational Sciences, or Math
  • Applicants graduating within 6 months are encouraged to apply. Degree must be completed prior to start date.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (C/C++, Python).
• 1 Year of software development supported by active GitHub entries in an HPC environment
• Graph theory and mathematical methods
• MPI, OpenMP, C, C++, Python, HPC Systems and tools for their performance measurements
• Ability to conduct individual research work and to disseminate results independently.
• Ability to organize and prioritize own and others workload.
• Good teamwork spirit. Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• 2 Years of software development supported by active GitHub entries in an HPC environment

Additional Information

• This position may require occasional travel to conferences or project meetings.

Starting: $65,000/year depending on experience and qualifications.

Contact:

If you have questions about this position, please contact:

Prof. Michela Taufer

Dongarra Professor in High Performance Computing

Director, Global Computing Laboratory

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

E-mail: taufer@utk.edu