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
• 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.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

 

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

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie clas