Post Doctorate Research Associate

Position Description

The REDWOOD project funded by DOE ASCR is meant to study the challenges of scientific payloads resilience in the heterogeneous distributed computing in environments such as those in HEP, NP, astro-particle physics, and fusion science, as well as other data intensive physics and astrophysics projects. The program of work proposed herein is carried out under the REDWOOD project. It consists of three main thrusts:
The first thrust is maintenance, development, support, and exploitation of a simulation tool known as CGSim, whose goal is the simulation of distributed computing systems. The task associated with this is the overall responsibility for the CGSim project, including deployment and documentation. Under this program of work, CGSim would be expanded to incorporate more grid sites as the descriptive data for more sites becomes available. The grid simulation would be used to test new, AI-based job scheduling algorithms.

The second thrust is to aid in the demonstration of large language systems AI tools to monitor distributed computer systems. A current prototype system is referred to as AskPanDA. It aims to provide monitoring feedback to users of all experience levels in the form of natural language answers to natural language questions, generating all the necessary database queries, using Model Context Protocol (MCP) technology to access large language models (LLMs). Under this program of work the monitoring system should be demonstrated on the CGSim-simulation of distributed workflow management systems, allowing for further development of AskPanDA-like systems in a nondisruptive, controlled environment.

A third thrust is the support of synergistic activities at Brookhaven aimed at AI-based simulation of the workflow management system, and studies of AI-based tools for resilient workflow management. This is under the rubric of the simulation and modeling (ModSim) track of the REDWOOD project. The impact on novel workflow scheduling algorithms is also to be studied under CGSim.
Finally, the dissemination of software and research findings under the auspices of REDWOOD through journals and professional meetings is understood to be part of this work program.

The successful candidate will work on the first and third thrusts: Modeling and Complex Systems simulation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintenance, development, support and exploitation of a simulation tool known as CGSim, whose goal is the simulation of distributed computing systems.
• Aid in the demonstration of large language systems Al tools to monitor distributed computer systems such as AskPanDA .
• Support of synergistic activities at Brookhaven aimed at AI-based simulation of the workflow management system, and studies of AI-based tools for resilient workflow management. This is under the rubric of the simulation and modeling (ModSim) track of the REDWOOD project.
• The dissemination of software and research findings under the auspices of REDWOOD through journals and professional meeting

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, computational science, particle physics, theoretical physics, or related discipline).
• Experience or interest in distributed computing systems, simulation tools, and AI/ML methods.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in a collaborative environment with time-sensitive deadlines.
• Knowledge of programming language(s) such as python, C/C++

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with code development and code management platforms
• Familiarity with high-performance disk storage systems
• Familiarity with high-performance and high-throughput computing clusters
• Working knowledge of networks and networking concepts
• Basic IT services that interface facility with user-facing services
• Configuration management and version control software

Other Information:

• Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life-changing events
• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL in Upton, NY

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $74050 - $122550 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.