Numerical Data Compression Postdoctoral Researcher

Job description

Company Description Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact. Job Description We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Staff Member to contribute to fundamental R&D in numerical data compression in support of projects related to AI-based surrogate modeling, scientific computing, and physical and life sciences that generate vast quantities of experimental and observational data. This R&D will primarily focus on basic research to advance state of the art in lossy numerical data compression based on tensor decomposition methods for three- and higher-dimensional data. Specific goals include the advancement of (1) new coding schemes, number representations, and compact parameterizations of tensorial data; (2) numerical analysis to characterize error distributions and guarantee error bounds; and (3) development of highly scalable and performant compression algorithms that exploit data parallelism on GPUs and multicore architectures. This position will be in the Data Science & Analytics Group in the Center for Applied Scientific Computing (CASC) Division within the LLNL Computing Directorate. In this role you will: Research, design, implement, and apply advanced numerical data compression and/or tensor decomposition methods (Tucker, TT, CP, etc.). Make independent contributions to one or more project thrusts on novel coding methods, error analysis, and performance optimization. Document results in technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. Work with domain scientists to evaluate the effectiveness of lossy compression methods and their impact on accuracy, storage, and performance within scientific workflows (e.g., surrogate modeling, scientific data analysis, numerical simulation, etc.). Contribute to grant proposals and collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment, including academic and industrial partners, to accomplish research goals. Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internal and external to the Laboratory. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field. Expertise in one or more of the following areas: data compression/reduction, information theory, (multi)linear algebra, or numerical analysis. Experience developing, implementing, and applying advanced algorithms to solve large-scale numerical or combinatorial problems. Experience with scientific programming in C/C++, CUDA/HIP/SYCL/OpenMP, Python, or similar, as evidenced through software artifacts. Demonstrated research productivity, as documented by publications, reports, presentations, and/or open-source software in relevant venues (DCC, TIT, TIP, SISC, SC, ISC, IPDPS, TVCG, VIS, etc.). Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information. Desired Qualifications Experience with high-performance computing, GPU programming, parallel programming, and/or related methods including running numerical simulations involving complex workflows. Experience with (multi)linear algebra, including matrix and tensor decompositions. Experience working with large data sets and developing scalable solutions based on distributed-memory and/or out-of-core algorithms. Expertise in developing software prototypes using modern languages, libraries, and tools such as C/C++/CUDA/Python, Eigen/cuSOLVER/NumPy/PyTorch, git/CMake, etc. Familiarity with numerical compression methods. Familiarity with the basic principles behind machine learning. Skill set at the intersection of computer science and applied mathematics. Demonstrated technical leadership in fields related to computer science and applied mathematics, such as mentorship or team management. Experience with or interest in scientific applications such as fusion, earth system science, cosmology, seismology, materials science, medicine, etc. Pay Range $143,328 Annually This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Position Information This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date. Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory? Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor! Flexible Benefits Package 401(k) Relocation Assistance Education Reimbursement Program Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs) Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values Security Clearance None required. However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities. The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position. To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112. Pre-Employment Drug Test External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor. Wireless and Medical Devices Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices. If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings. How to identify fake job advertisements Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond. To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Reasonable Accommodation Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 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