PhD Intern - Data Science

Overview The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing applied mathematics, machine intelligence, high-performance computing, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future heterogeneous computing systems and design next-generation algorithms to analyze, model, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security. We work closely with subject matter experts in computational biology, complex infrastructures, high energy physics, computational chemistry, atmospheric sciences, building technologies and the electric power grid, and cyber security, among other domains of national interest. Responsibilities The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks PhD interns in data science with the focus on domain-aware machine learning, learning-based optimal control, and differentiable optimization. The candidates should have experience with or interest in scientific software development and management of scientific data in accordance with the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIR) principles. Each intern will be directly contributing to research projects and will be mentored by PNNL staff. Each internship will address one of the following areas: Design of new learning-based and differentiable programming methods for solving non-convex optimization problems emerging in energy systems optimization. Design of learning-based control methods with safety certificates and deployment on edge devices with intended application in building energy systems or mobile robotics. Domain-aware learning-based modeling and control methods for city-level traffic flows and perimeter traffic control. Development of new learning-based modeling and control methods for grid-interactive energy efficient buildings and HVAC systems. The successful candidates will contribute to the software development and applied mathematics research resulting in first-author publications. The candidates must be adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary technical teams through strong communication and interpersonal skills. Positions may be performed remotely or at PNNL’s Richland, WA campus based on business need. 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: The following are qualifications and skills necessary for the position: - Strong skills in selected areas of applied mathematics (e.g., analysis, linear algebra, iterative solvers, constrained optimization, learning theory). - Proficiency in Python language and data science packages (e.g., Numpy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib). - Proficiency with constrained optimization tools and solvers (e.g., CVXPY, JuMP, Gurobi, CPLEX). - Proficiency in modern machine learning libraries (such as Pytorch or Tensorflow) - Proficiency with software version control systems (such as Git). Depending on focus area the following skills will be required: - Expertise with edge computing and robotics applications (e.g., ROS, C++) - Expertise with modeling traffic systems (e.g., micro-, meso-, macro-scopic models), and experience with traffic simulation software (e.g. Aimsun, CityFlow). - Expertise in energy systems modeling and control and simulation tools (e.g., Modelica, Energy+). Knowledge and experience in the following areas is preferred - Experience with differentiable programming and scientific machine learning methods (e.g., Neural ODEs, PINNs, Graph neural networks, differentiable optimization) is a plus. - Familiarity or prior work on “learning to optimize”, “differentiable optimization”, “implicit layers”, or “constrained deep learning” methods is a plus. - Experience with power system optimization (e.g., OPF, dynamic economic dispatch) is a plus. - Publication record in scientific conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, CDC, SIAM journals is a plus. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not applicable Additional Information Not applicable Testing Designated Position Not a Testing Designated Position 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected]. Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Mandatory Requirements Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Regular Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met. Temporary Hourly: Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards