Postdoctoral Research Associate - High Energy Physics Simulation

Requisition Id 13697 

Overview:

The Scalable Engineering Applications (SEA) Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) is seeking a Post-Doctoral Associate who will specialize in applying the latest advancements in high performance computing and numerical methods to develop computational tools and models that are used for large-scale, physics-based simulations of High Energy Physics (HEP) detectors and related hardware. In this role, you will work with groups across the lab to develop computational algorithms and software for supercomputing simulations using the ORNL-led simulation code Celeritas. Celeritas, a Monte Carlo code for HEP detector simulation using GPUs, is a key product of the SEA group developed in conjunction with other national laboratories and institutes around the world. Designed to accelerate the most computationally intense problems in high energy physics, starting with electromagnetic (EM) physics for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), Celeritas is being extended to enable GPU utilization for additional experiments, including optical physics for scintillation experiments, neutrino detection, and beyond. We seek highly motivated candidates to join our team to help enable particle simulation on GPUs and massively parallel high-performance computing (HPC) systems by developing new algorithms, implementing physics models, profiling performance, and integrating with experiment frameworks.

The Scalable Engineering Applications group is comprised of computational scientists with a diverse spectrum of technical backgrounds, ranging from applied mathematics to engineering. Our group mission is to use innovative computational science to deliver scalable modeling and simulation tools for engineering and science applications, including HEP. We develop and apply new scalable algorithms for advanced computing architectures and use the latest advancements in numerical methods and performance portability for high performance computing. This includes designing and crafting novel software packages at the confluence of modern engineering and computational science which are then deployed as production capabilities to a network of subject matter expert collaborators throughout the world.

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate in new and ongoing research in computational science for high energy physics.
• Build new advancements in the scientific application of Monte Carlo methods for particle physics.
• Develop scientific software, adhering to research software engineering best practices.
• Assist in formulating research plans and execute the research and development necessary for the practical implementation of plans.
• Take part in multiple R&D projects.
• Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national and international audiences at all levels.
• Work independently and in teams to develop conduct research and produce working prototypes for demonstration.
• Write peer-reviewed papers and technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.
• Lead and maintain a strong publication record.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, engineering physics, applied math, computer science, computational science, or related fields completed within the last five years.
• Experience in computational methods for detector simulation or radiation transport.
• Experience in open-source scientific software development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with C++, Python, and GPU programming.
• Experience with applications in High Energy Physics (HEP).
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods for particle transport.
• Experience with modern software development practices including compiler toolchains and git workflows.
• Experience developing and profiling computational algorithms and numerical methods for physics-based simulations.
• Familiarity with AI/ML methods for scientific applications.
• Experience with parallel computing techniques including HPC in a Linux environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and to participate collaboratively in a team environment.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.