Neural Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

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*These benefits vary by job classification.

We are seeking motivated postdoctoral candidates to advance the theory of brain-inspired algorithms and apply them to complex, real-world problems. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and neuroscientists pursuing advanced research and development in neuromorphic computing, artificial intelligence, and spiking neural networks across a range of applications.

A strong background in theory (e.g., mathematics, theoretical neuroscience, computer science) is a necessity. Experience with artificial intelligence models or neural-inspired computing is strongly preferred.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Develop and extend neural-inspired artificial intelligence algorithms;
• Research theoretical principles and foundations necessary for model interpretability and introspection;
• Program and test algorithms on neuromorphic and AI accelerator hardware;
• Apply existing state-of-the-art methods and algorithms to domain data;
• Engage with the community for conferences, workshops, proposals, and outreach;
• Develop and support open-source research software packages;
• Publish research results in high-quality journals and competitive conference venues.
  Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite. Relocation provided for those who qualify.
  

• PhD in computer science, mathematics, theoretical neuroscience, physics, or a relevant field conferred within 5 years prior to start date.
• Experience with theoretical or practical aspects of either neuromorphic algorithms or artificial intelligence.
• Experience in a common programming language such as Python or C++.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

• Interest in developing neural-inspired and cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms (e.g., spiking neural networks, Bayesian neural networks, RNNs, LLMs) or in the deployment of such algorithms.
• Experience with specialized computational architectures such as GPUs, FPGAs, neuromorphic processors, or machine learning accelerators.
• Experience with neural network modeling languages (PyTorch,Tensorflow, Keras, etc.) or neural modeling languages.
• Prior peer-reviewed research publications.
• Demonstrated ability to work with others and contributed in a team environment.
• Desire to work as part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team.
• Willingness to be flexible in assignments and develop expertise in different areas of neuromorphic computing.

The department of Cognitive & Emerging Computing (Org. 01421) pursues foundational research and development of:

• emerging general-purpose energy-efficient and beyond-Moore computing paradigms;
• cognitive, brain-inspired and neuromorphic computing, human-machine interface technologies;
• advanced heterogenous architectures based on integrated commodity components, special purpose accelerators, neural architectures and algorithms.

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.