APEX (AI Program for EXploration) Postdoctoral Researcher

We are seeking creative Postdoctoral researchers to bridge the gap between leadership-class supercomputing and cutting-edge open science in the area of AI and Machine Learning. Successful candidates will be working with ALCF’s technical teams (e.g., AI/ML, Data Science, Performance Engineering) and will focus on collaborative APEX research projects.

We are looking to hire four Postdoctoral Appointees to support this project. The position will remain posted online until all four positions are filled.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Execution: Collaborate with domain scientists to experiment with and integrate emerging AI techniques (e.g., agentic workflows, LLMs) into scientific problems, ensuring methods effectively solve real domain challenges.
• Advanced Model Development: Design and debug implementations for agentic AI, LLM deployment, and automated laboratory integrations (e.g., self-driving labs).
• Facility Support & Training: Dedicate a portion of time to general ALCF user support, including troubleshooting user issues, delivering training sessions, and creating high-quality documentation to benefit the broader user community.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Act as an embedded expert within an ALCF technical group, translating facility capabilities into practical solutions for users.
• Scientific Engagement: Contribute to publications, technical reports, and quarterly progress updates; present results at conferences and ALCF/DOE venues. 

Position Requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related computational discipline (completed within the last 5 years or nearing completion in 2026).
• Proven ability to conduct independent research or technical development, analyze complex systems, and publish results or deploy production-quality software.
• Strong software development skills, particularly in Python or C++, with experience in data analysis, simulation, or workflow scripting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to create clear documentation and effectively teach complex technical concepts to users.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams and a strong service-oriented mindset.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, research, integrity and teamwork.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• AI/ML Development: Experience with modern AI frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX) and model development is highly desirable.
• Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with Agentic toolkits (e.g., LangChain, AutoGen), LLM deployment, or RAG pipelines.
• High Performance Computing (HPC): Experience with parallel computing (MPI, OpenMP, CUDA/HIP) or running workflows on supercomputing clusters.
• Software Engineering: Knowledge of version control (Git), containerization (Docker/Singularity), and CI/CD workflows.

Application Requirements:

• 1 page Cover Letter
• CV
• Your Cover Letter and CV should address your individual contributions to previous projects and highlight your experiences and skills in terms that are universal and relatable to any computational project.

To help our review committee fully understand your potential, please consider the following when preparing your materials:

• Define Your Contribution: We understand that science is often collaborative. In your CV and cover letter, please clearly distinguish your individual contributions from the group's achievements (e.g., specific code you wrote, modules you debugged, or workflows you designed).
• Highlight Transferable Skills: If your background is in a specific science domain (e.g., Physics, Biology), frame your experience in terms of universal computational skills.
• We encourage you to describe your work using broader technical terms—such as "statistical data analysis," "workflow automation," or "algorithm optimization"—rather than focusing solely on the scientific subject matter.

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifi