Research Assistant in Computer Science (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830 Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Requisition ID: 15682 Overview Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the NEUROPIX project, an interdisciplinary effort at the intersection of: High-energy physics (HEP) detectors Neuromorphic computing FPGA/ASIC design Machine learning for edge processing The successful candidate will work with a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team to develop AI-enabled, low-latency signal-processing algorithms for next-generation pixel detectors used in high-energy physics experiments. This position resides in the Relativistic Nuclear and High Energy Physics group, Physics Division, Physical Science Directorate, at ORNL. Major Duties / Responsibilities Neuromorphic & Machine Learning Algorithm Development: Develop and train Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) for clustering, classification, and interpolation of pixel detector data Explore spike-based data encoding/decoding strategies Perform hyperparameter optimization using HPC resources Detector Simulation & Data Processing: Use and extend Allpix2 and TCAD-based simulation tools Generate large simulation datasets for algorithm training and validation Integrate simulation with neuromorphic platforms FPGA / Hardware-Embedded AI: Deploy SNNs to FPGA-based neuromorphic hardware (NeuroSpike/NeuroSpark) Generate RTL using HLS workflows; evaluate resource usage, latency, and performance Participate in hardware test benches for real detector systems Experimental Detector Work: Test and characterize pixel detectors (CMS HL-LHC, Timepix4, AC-LGAD, PDCs) Demonstrate on-sensor data processing with hardware prototypes Potential involvement in beam tests or radiation-source laboratory setups Basic Qualifications Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field Experience in at least one of the following areas: FPGA programming (VHDL/Verilog, HLS) Pixel detectors in high-energy physics or radiation detection Neuromorphic computing or Spiking Neural Networks Machine learning, AI/ML algorithms, or scientific computing Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++ Preferred Qualifications Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team Strong communication skills for clear documentation and presentation of research Experience with: Allpix2, GEANT4, detector simulation, or TCAD FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vitis/Vivado, Intel Quartus, HLS tools) HPC environments or GPU-accelerated computing On-detector firmware or data acquisition systems Familiarity with HEP data formats and reconstruction Background in semiconductor sensor physics or microelectronics Appointment Information Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the application date Must complete all degree requirements before starting Appointment length: up to 24 months with potential extension, contingent on performance and funding Letters of Recommendation Three letters required Upload directly to the application or email postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements Position requires ability to obtain and maintain HSPD-12 PIV badge Real ID-compliant identification required for employment Must complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check Foreign nationals: candidates without 3 consecutive years U.S. residency require Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination About ORNL U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory 80-year legacy addressing national scientific challenges Team of 7,000+ employees Environment valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds Competitive pay and benefits, including: Medical, dental, and vision plans 401(k) and contributory pension plans Life and disability insurance Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave Legal insurance, identity theft protection, and educational assistance On-site amenities: fitness, banking, cafeteria Relocation assistance and employee discounts Application Instructions Position open for a minimum of 5 days; closes when qualified candidate is identified File types accepted: Word (.doc/.docx), Adobe PDF, RTF, HTML (.htm/.html), up to 5MB Third-party resumes not accepted Accommodation: For difficulty using the online application system or disability-related accommodations, email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov Equal Employment Opportunity 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Requisition ID: 15682

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to the NEUROPIX project, an interdisciplinary effort at the intersection of:

High-energy physics (HEP) detectors
Neuromorphic computing
FPGA/ASIC design
Machine learning for edge processing

The successful candidate will work with a multi-institutional, multidisciplinary team to develop AI-enabled, low-latency signal-processing algorithms for next-generation pixel detectors used in high-energy physics experiments.

This position resides in the Relativistic Nuclear and High Energy Physics group, Physics Division, Physical Science Directorate, at ORNL.

Major Duties / Responsibilities

Neuromorphic & Machine Learning Algorithm Development:

Develop and train Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) for clustering, classification, and interpolation of pixel detector data
Explore spike-based data encoding/decoding strategies
Perform hyperparameter optimization using HPC resources

Detector Simulation & Data Processing:

Use and extend Allpix2 and TCAD-based simulation tools
Generate large simulation datasets for algorithm training and validation
Integrate simulation with neuromorphic platforms

FPGA / Hardware-Embedded AI:

Deploy SNNs to FPGA-based neuromorphic hardware (NeuroSpike/NeuroSpark)
Generate RTL using HLS workflows; evaluate resource usage, latency, and performance
Participate in hardware test benches for real detector systems

Experimental Detector Work:

Test and characterize pixel detectors (CMS HL-LHC, Timepix4, AC-LGAD, PDCs)
Demonstrate on-sensor data processing with hardware prototypes
Potential involvement in beam tests or radiation-source laboratory setups

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- FPGA programming (VHDL/Verilog, HLS)
- Pixel detectors in high-energy physics or radiation detection
- Neuromorphic computing or Spiking Neural Networks
- Machine learning, AI/ML algorithms, or scientific computing
Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
Strong communication skills for clear documentation and presentation of research
Experience with:
- Allpix2, GEANT4, detector simulation, or TCAD
- FPGA toolchains (Xilinx Vitis/Vivado, Intel Quartus, HLS tools)
- HPC environments or GPU-accelerated computing
- On-detector firmware or data acquisition systems
Familiarity with HEP data formats and reconstruction
Background in semiconductor sensor physics or microelectronics

Appointment Information

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the application date
Must complete all degree requirements before starting
Appointment length: up to 24 months with potential extension, contingent on performance and funding

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters required
Upload directly to the application or email postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

Position requires ability to obtain and maintain HSPD-12 PIV badge
Real ID-compliant identification required for employment
Must complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check
Foreign nationals: candidates without 3 consecutive years U.S. residency require Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination

About ORNL

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory
80-year legacy addressing national scientific challenges
Team of 7,000+ employees
Environment valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds
Competitive pay and benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- 401(k) and contributory pension plans
- Life and disability insurance
- Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave
- Legal insurance, identity theft protection, and educational assistance
- On-site amenities: fitness, banking, cafeteria
- Relocation assistance and employee discounts

Application Instructions

Position open for a minimum of 5 days; closes when qualified candidate is identified
File types accepted: Word (.doc/.docx), Adobe PDF, RTF, HTML (.htm/.html), up to 5MB
Third-party resumes not accepted

Accommodation: For difficulty using the online application system or disability-related accommodations, email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Computeroxy

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