Job Description

Posting Duration: This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time. NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs: 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. What Your Job Will Be Like: We are seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Appointee to perform algorithm development and research in an integrated team that includes microcircuit simulation and fabrication, signal processing design, mission simulation, and performance prediction. We are developing novel computing accelerators based on analog in-memory computing that will be embedded at the point-of-sensing in space and airborne remote sensing systems. Join us to develop creative solutions to unique national security challenges! The successful candidate will develop remote sensing algorithms for space-based systems optimized for embedded hardware based on noisy analog devices. You will use your experience with neural network development, especially recurrent neural networks in low-precision computing, to develop these algorithms. In addition, experience with uncertainty propagation and probabilistic computing will aid you with the stochastic nature of the underlying hardware. On any given day, you may be asked to: + Develop hardware constrained neural network algorithms for space-based or airborne detection + Develop Bayesian neural networks to enable real-time uncertainty quantification using stochastic analog devices + Develop algorithms for low precision, high noise, and radiation environments + Conduct innovative research, publish and present results in refereed journals and conferences + Develop and pursue new opportunities in areas that support Sandia Mission activities + Work in multidisciplinary teams Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Qualifications We Require: + PhD, acquired within the last 5 years in electrical engineering, computer science, or other relevant field + Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance Qualifications We Desire: + A record of publication and innovation, as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, technical books or issued patents is preferred + Proficiency with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and neural network accelerator platforms like CUDA + Proven experience with low precision and fixed-point processing + Experience with in-memory computing, implementations using programmable resistive memories and microcircuits + Ability to work in a collaborative research environment on problems in a variety of domains + Proficiency in solving problems, prioritizing work, and making decisions + Proficiency with varied communication methods, including oral presentation, preparation of high-impact visual presentations, written reports, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate scientific and technical information at a level tailored the audience + Experience training convolutional and recurrent neural networks + Experience with uncertainty quantification and Bayesian neural networks + Expertise in modeling devices, circuits, or in-memory computing architecture About Our Team: We provide research and development (R&D), systems engineering, system analysis, system test, and project management for the United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System to DoD and DOE sponsors as well as supporting speculative and next generation systems. Using systems engineering expertise to support USNDS space and ground systems throughout the lifecycle, the team uses advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to assess USNDS performance as a system-of-systems to inform mission partner decisions. We work closely with ground and flight systems (SNL and LANL) to ensure that USNDS needs are met and manage R&D efforts for the operational users at the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC).

About Sandia:

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: + Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide + Extraordinary co-workers + Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world + Career advancement and enrichment opportunities + Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home) + Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance* World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

Security Clearance:

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. 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. Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date. EEO: 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. Position Information: 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. Job ID: 688110