Postdoctoral Fellow for Advanced Optical Interconnects in Datacenters

The Computer Architecture Group (CAG) is interested in the design, architecture and programming of future HPC systems to enable continued scientific research.  A timely question for our group is how to prepare future HPC and data center systems given the expectation of many heterogeneous computing resources, and the continued need for higher performance efficiency to reach the next milestone after exascale computing. CAG is investigating related topics as well, such as specialized hardware accelerators, micro-architectural enhancements, new devices to replace existing CMOS transistors, emerging memories, 3D, and photonics.

These challenges have motivated the research in the Photonic Integrated Networked Energy efficient datacenter (PINE) project. The PINE architecture addresses the data movement challenge by leveraging the unique properties of photonics to steer bandwidth to where it is needed rather than over-provisioning network resources, which significantly increases energy consumption. Photonics can also be used to efficiently perform resource disaggregation which includes advanced photonic link technology, Photonic Multichip modules, and optical circuit switches to dynamically reconfigure/aggregate resources to meet the needs of diverse workloads.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow for Advanced Optical Interconnects in Datacenters to participate primarily in system-level architectural studies using models of emerging photonic components. In particular, the focus of this position is to design novel ways for resource disaggregation and network reconfiguration at every level (node to system) to best serve HPC and datacenter applications and take advantage of the unique strengths of optical switches and links. This project requires expertise in networks and computer architecture. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to participate in exciting projects in related fields, such as in micro-architectural research towards improving performance of critical HPC and datacenter applications.

We value and strive for diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

What You Will Do:

• Design and implement a multi-scale modeling and simulation environment to model the impact of a wide range of ideas in computer networks and architecture.
• Capture communication and computation traces from important HPC and datacenter applications using CPUs and GPUs to guide this study.
• Work closely with the developers of emerging optical components such as switches for incorporation into the simulation framework, including developers of other relevant technologies. Provide feedback and suggestions to those developers on how to improve their components to better fit HPC and data center systems.
• Use demonstrated expertise in networks and computer architecture to design a novel approach to resource disaggregation and network reconfiguration in all system levels that includes the reconfiguration algorithm, physical topology limitations, topology construction, routing, adapting to different optimization goals, impact to the applications, etc.
• Collaborate with algorithm and software developers for the purpose of making results of research easily accessible to them.
• Participate in all requested assignments, including research, preparation of funding proposals, documentation of results and reporting results to sponsors.
• Establish research directions and pursue funding opportunities.

What is Required:

• PhD in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• Understanding of devices and their models, 3D integration, emerging memory technologies, and architecture specialization (e.g., accelerators).
• Demonstrated expertise in working with modeling and simulation methods and software tools for hardware exploration.
• Demonstrated expertise in setting research direction and priorities for future computing architectures or network architectures.
• Demonstrated expertise in Verilog, C++, Python.
• Familiarity with HPC and datacenter applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a cross-disciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in photonic systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in HPC or datacenter applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in Scala.
• Understanding of programming models popular in HPC and datacenters.

For full consideration, please apply by October 29, 2020.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source Division has an opening for a Accelerator / Floor Operator, Trainee.

The ALS is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract more than 2,000 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undertaking a new project (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

The core values of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which the entire ALS community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting a vibrant, diverse and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a diverse lab community.

What You Will Do:

When acting as Accelerator Operator and qualified in the appropriate procedures or under direct supervision:

• Complies with DOE and Laboratory standards and practices to ensure safe accelerator operations.
• Carries out facility start-ups and shut-downs, and optimizes accelerator performance.
• Monitors accelerator performance and documents system data as required.
• Monitors accelerator and beamline hardware to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Makes entries into the Accelerator, Controlled Access, Key Cabinet, Radiation Survey, and Beamline Logbooks to appropriately document all facility events.
• Performs initial response to failures and participates in process to mitigate repeat failures.
• Makes adjustments to systems in order to accommodate changes required by changing experimental needs.
• Maintains effective interaction with coworkers, scientific support staff and supervisor.

When acting as Floor Operator and qualified in the appropriate procedures or under direct supervision:

• Assist Beamline Scientists and Users in avoiding activities that might compromise personnel safety, beamline equipment, or storage ring protection.
• Ensure that the appropriate procedures are followed, with special attention to any changes that might require control of radiation shielding.
• Ensure radiation safety via radiation monitoring during routine operations, commissioning activities, and during troubleshooting scenarios.
• Monitor components of the ALS beamline vacuum system.
• Recognize changes to experimental equipment that might introduce new hazards, triggering reviews as necessary.
• Provide assistance in the use of the Equipment Protection Systems and the Radiation Safety Systems to ensure safe, efficient use of beam time.
• Help coordinate technical support from ALS and LBNL crafts and trades, including electronic and mechanical repair, survey and alignment, conventional facilities, etc.
• Arrange training for experimenters in the safe use of ALS user labs, the experimental area, user staging areas, and user shops and other workshops during off hours.

What is Required:

•     Coursework in basic engineering or scientific principles and mathematics and related subject matter comparable to the technical content of a four year post-secondary school curriculum; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to monitor accelerator beamline performance and document system data as required.
• Ability to identify standard hardware failures and complex operating systems
• Familiarity with physics theory, which underlines the performance of the system.
• Ability to learn and understand complex control systems, mechanical systems, and safety systems.
• Must possess leadership skills. Mechanical skills sufficient to perform tasks related to operation and maintenance of accelerator beamlines.
• Must be able to work on rotating shift schedules, as required.
• Experience collaborating in a diverse multidisciplinary team environment with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact with a variety of technical and scientific personnel with varied academic backgrounds.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present and disseminate relevant information.

Desired Qualifications:

• Computer skills including working knowledge of (Windows, Windows applications, LabVIEW).
• Ability to use hand and machine tools is helpful.
• Technical coursework in physics, computer science and/or engineering is desirable.

For full consideration, please apply by January 22, 2021.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position has an expected working shift of 12:00 AM - 8:00 AM. This would be after an operator training and qualification period of 1-2 years.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be determined based on range by collective bargaining agreement.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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