PhD Intern Future Computing Technologies
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Job Overview
Who's the hiring manager?
Sign up to PitchMeAI to discover the hiring manager's details for this job. We will also write them an intro email for you.

Job Description
Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.
The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future energy-efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security.
Responsibilities
The successful applicant will work within the Future Computing Technologies group. The applicant should be familiar with continuum computing and distributed systems. The applicant will explore emerging AI-assisted scientific workflows and management of distributed datasets, including but not limited to continuum computing, distributed and parallel computing, performance and workload characterization, and modeling of application power, energy, etc. Successful applicant will be familiar with topics such as distributed and continuum computing, vector databases, performance modeling, storage and memory systems.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Candidate should be pursuing a PhD in computer science, data science, or related field.
- Familiar with topics such as distributed and continuum computing, vector databases, performance modeling, storage and memory systems, etc.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Key skills/competency
- Continuum computing
- Distributed systems
- AI-assisted workflows
- Distributed datasets
- Parallel computing
- Performance characterization
- Workload modeling
- Power optimization
- Energy efficiency
- Vector databases
How to Get Hired at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Research Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's culture: Study their mission, values, recent news, and employee testimonials on LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
- Tailor your resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in distributed systems, AI, and scientific computing, aligning with PNNL's research.
- Showcase academic prowess: Emphasize your PhD research, publications, and strong GPA (minimum 3.0) relevant to computing technologies.
- Prepare for technical discussions: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with continuum computing, vector databases, and performance modeling.
- Demonstrate collaborative spirit: Highlight experiences working in interdisciplinary teams, aligning with PNNL's collaborative research environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this job opportunity
Explore similar opportunities that match your background