University of Wyoming, School of Computing Research Scientist

The School of Computing at the University of Wyoming invites applications for two full-time research scientists to support the school’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives. The first position will have a specific focus on Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) applications; the second position will support the WyldTech Center for Technology, Computing, and Wildlife. Research scientists provide the capacity and capability for the School of Computing to advance research and learning across the University of Wyoming’s academic and scholarly disciplines through the use and development of innovative, new, and critical computing technologies and approaches, and through the pursuit of external funding.

These positions will advance Artificial Intelligence related research and education across the University of Wyoming’s academic and scholarly disciplines through the innovative use and development of Machine Learning (ML), CDS&E, and high-performance computing (HPC) approaches. These research scientist positions at the School of Computing will contribute to advancing interdisciplinary research in applied AI/ML and computing, fostering and supporting strategic research opportunities and collaborations with internal and external partners, and as appropriate provide leadership and strategic direction to the School’s research portfolio. We welcome candidates who can contribute to an inclusive environment, bring new perspectives from diverse backgrounds, and who value collegiality and collaboration.

The School of Computing is particularly interested in supplementing its strength in applications such as modeling novel energy systems including wind, solar, and nuclear; computational materials; controlled environment agriculture; environmental monitoring and modeling of animal populations, hydrologic systems, and the climate; leveraging computation methods for social science research particularly for better understanding of rural communities and economies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work productively to advance research using cutting edge AL/ML techniques in CDS&E applications as well as in a broad range of disciplines, including STEM fields, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• Partner directly with faculty, staff, and students to play a leading role in projects that effectively and efficiently use cyberinfrastructure (e.g., computing clusters, visualization facilities, scientific software, data management, etc.) tools at the UW Advanced Research Computing Center, NCAR Wyoming Supercomputer Center, Argonne Leadership Computing Facility as part of the ALCF Lighthouse Initiative, as well as national computing centers provided by the NSF, DOE and other federal agencies.
• Lead and/or assist in developing and writing proposals to secure external funding.
• Lead the research, analysis, deployment and potentially extension of new applications and innovative use of cutting-edge AI/ML technologies.
• Work with School of Computing partners including industry and community colleges.
• Provide a high level of productive, courteous, and team-based interaction with partner scientists.
• Write, publish, and present papers to journals and at national and international conferences.

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• MS in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, or another discipline with an applied AI/ML component to the program of study.
• At least three years of proven experience (e.g. graduate school, industry) in applied AI/ML but will prioritize candidates with interdisciplinary expertise.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of one or more core ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience presenting scientific research through published articles, and presentations, tutorials or trainings at conferences, professional settings or other venues.
• Evidence of strong communication skills, including the ability to write technical documents and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, including experience working with subject-matter experts from diverse fields.
• Ability to contribute meaningfully to the university's efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for learning and research.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Ph.D. in a CDS&E field with emphasis on AI/ML fundamental research or in the innovative application of AI/ML in any scholarly field; PIML-based approaches are given priority.
• Experience using modern software engineering practices on large-scale real-world applications.
• Demonstrated experience in real-world application or tool development including experience in the use of important software frameworks in relevant areas of AI/ML and computing expertise.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across disciplines with a variety of stakeholders.
• Project management of the full lifecycle of a software product including awareness of minimum viable model and overall business considerations.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to mentor undergraduate and/or graduate students, and the development and delivery of training material.
• Experience in proposal development and the procurement of external funding.
• Experience in successfully leading, monitoring, motivating, and supervising a team.