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Computer Science Researcher Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

DataAnnotation

Data Science Consultant

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$40/hr

Qualifications 2+ years of hands‐on experience in a quantitative role or research environment ... A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field is preferred (Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics ...

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How much do computer science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer science researcher in Tennessee is $102,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,800.00 and $139,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Science Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Researcher, you need a strong background in algorithms, mathematics, and theoretical computer science, commonly supported by an advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in computer science or a related field. Proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, C++, or Java), research methodologies, and experience with tools like MATLAB, TensorFlow, or research databases is essential. Critical thinking, curiosity, effective communication, and collaboration are crucial soft skills for generating innovative ideas and sharing findings. These skills and qualities are important for advancing the field, producing original research, and successfully working in multidisciplinary teams.

What are common challenges faced by Computer Science Researchers when working on collaborative projects?

Computer Science Researchers often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as aligning goals, integrating diverse technical expertise, and managing communication across different fields. Additionally, coordinating schedules and research timelines between multiple contributors can be complex, especially when team members are based in different institutions or countries. Overcoming these challenges requires strong project management skills, clear communication, and adaptability to different working styles.

What does a Computer Science Researcher do?

A Computer Science Researcher investigates new ideas, algorithms, and technologies in the field of computer science. Their work often involves designing experiments, developing prototypes, and publishing findings in academic journals or conferences. They may focus on areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, or software engineering. Through their research, they contribute to advancements that can impact both industry and academia. Their role typically requires strong analytical skills, programming expertise, and a deep understanding of theoretical concepts.

Is a CS degree worth IT in 2026?

A computer science researcher typically benefits from a CS degree, as it provides foundational knowledge in algorithms, programming, and systems. While practical experience and skills in areas like machine learning or data analysis are increasingly valued, a degree remains a strong credential for research roles and advancing in the field.
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Computer Science Researcher jobs near you
Director - Scientific AI R&D

Director - Scientific AI R&D

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16430
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a visionary Director of AI Foundations for Science to lead the laboratory's strategic direction and execution at the intersection of artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and scientific discovery.
As the Department of Energy's largest science and energy laboratory, ORNL delivers breakthrough capabilities in computing, neutron science, materials, energy, and national security.
This role will define and drive the next generation of AI-enabled scientific discovery, building on ORNL's leadership in exascale computing and emerging sovereign AI infrastructure for science.
This position will report to the Associate Lab Director of Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate and will play a central role in shaping laboratory-wide and national strategies for AI-driven science and engineering.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
  • Define and execute ORNL's strategy for AI as a foundational scientific capability, focusing on the co-evolution of algorithms, models, data, and computing architectures.
  • Establish R&D priorities across:
    • AI foundation models trained on scientific and simulation data at scale
    • Mathematical foundations of scientific AI
    • Physics-informed and hybrid AI (AI + simulation + experimental data fusion)
    • AI-HPC co-design, including new programming models and system architectures
  • Serve as the laboratory's focal point for AI innovation at the frontier of computation, enabling downstream application domains (energy, security, materials, biology) through shared capabilities and platforms
  • Partner with other ORNL leaders to:
    • Advance agentic and autonomous discovery systems tightly coupled to instruments and facilities
    • Advance data-centric and multimodal AI pipelines for scientific workflows
    • Drive integration of AI into major user facilities, instruments, and simulation environments
  • Position ORNL as the global leader in integrated AI + HPC + experimental science ecosystems

Research & Program Development
  • Lead and grow world-class, multidisciplinary R&D programs spanning computational science, applied AI, and domain science
  • Shape and advance a research portfolio that integrates foundational applied mathematics, computer science, and trustworthy AI to support scientific AI and computational discovery.
  • Identify and scale high-impact flagship initiatives demonstrating end-to-end AI-enabled scientific workflows

Partnerships & External Engagement
  • Build and lead strategic partnerships with:
    • Industry (hyperscalers, AI companies, semiconductor firms)
    • Universities and academic consortia
    • Other DOE laboratories and federal agencies
  • Expand industrial engagement and co-development programs, including joint AI platforms and applied science use cases
  • Represent ORNL in national and international AI strategy forums
  • Work in close partnership with AI and autonomous science leaders across ORNL scientific domains, Applied Energy Sciences and National Security to translate foundational AI advances into mission impact, while maintaining a clear separation between capability creation and mission deployment

Modernization & Transformation
  • Drive modernization of scientific workflows through:
    • AI-native software ecosystems
    • Data-centric architectures and platforms
    • Agentic and autonomous laboratory capabilities
  • Support ORNL in adoption of AI to transform laboratory operations, including proposal development, safety, and facility optimization
  • Advance ORNL toward a fully integrated physical-digital laboratory model

Organizational Leadership
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams across AI, computing, and domain science
  • Foster a culture of mission impact, collaboration, and urgency in a rapidly evolving global landscape
  • Partner across directorates to ensure cross-cutting integration of AI capabilities

Basic Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in a relevant STEM discipline, including but not limited to Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
  • 15+ years of experience beyond Ph.D. in AI, computational science, or related fields
  • Demonstrated leadership of large-scale R&D programs and multidisciplinary teams
  • Internationally recognized expertise in one or more areas:
    • Machine learning / AI
    • Scientific computing / HPC
    • Data-intensive science
  • Strong track record of securing and managing major research programs or partnerships

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience operating at the intersection of AI, HPC, and scientific domains (e.g., materials, biology, energy, physics)
  • Proven ability to build public-private partnerships at scale
  • Experience with DOE, national laboratory, or comparable mission-driven environments
  • Vision for AI-driven transformation of science and engineering workflows
  • Demonstrated success influencing national or institutional strategy

Why ORNL?
  • Home to leadership-class computing and emerging AI infrastructure
  • Unmatched integration of experimental facilities, computing, and data ecosystems
  • Mission-driven environment addressing the nation's most critical challenges
  • Opportunity to define the future of AI-enabled science at national scale

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
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.

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