Staff Mathematician
Date: Nov 25, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37930
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15634
Overview:
The Data Analytics and Machine Learning (DAML) Group is seeking an exceptional mathematician to work on the development of rigorous theory and algorithms needed for the design and analysis of computational methods that accelerate data analytics and machine learning, especially as the apply to scalable high-performance computing, cloud computing, and large interconnected experimental facilities. You will be responsible for developing energy-efficient, physics-aware algorithms designed for distributed learning across both high-performance and edge computing environments. You will focus on designing architectures and models that effectively capture the complexities of data, provide robust confidence estimates in predictions, and generate compressed quantities of interest tailored to defined domains. Additionally, the role involves creating fast and scalable algorithms capable of fitting the proposed models to data, accompanied by a theoretical framework that elucidates the convergence and effectiveness of these techniques. You will also undertake detailed re-analysis of the trained models' performance, with the goal of uncovering the underlying processes governing the behavior of the given data.
This job offers an excellent opportunity to conduct exceptional and innovative research in mathematics, statistics and scientific computing, for applications with scientific and national priority. ORNL’s mathematics research efforts provide the fundamental mathematical methods and algorithms needed to model complex physical, chemical, and biological systems. ORNL’s computational science research efforts enable scientists to efficiently implement these models at the extreme scale of computing and to store, manage, analyze, and visualize the massive amounts of data that result. ORNL’s artificial intelligence research provides the techniques to link the data producers, e.g., supercomputers and large experimental facilities, with the data consumers, i.e., scientists who need the data.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- The position requires collaboration within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of mathematicians, computational scientists, computer scientists, experimentalists, and engineers/physicists conducting basic and applied research in support of the Laboratory’s missions.
- Writing peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and proposals for internal and external release and must represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.
- Maintain membership in professional, academic, and research organizations.
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
ORNL Ethics and Conduct:
As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity
Basic Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in mathematics, engineering, data/computational science, or a field relevant to the job duties mentioned.
- 2+ years of relevant research experience outside of Ph.D.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong theoretical background in constructive approximation; functional, complex, and real analysis; as well as numerical analysis and approximation of partial differential equations.
- Expertise in optimization; computational fluid dynamics; sparse grid methods, compressed sensing, thresholding, and greedy approaches; stochastic optimization; as well as convex and non-convex regularizations.
- Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of numerical algorithms in one or more high-level computing languages within a team environment.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
About ORNL
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville