Research Scientist

Research scientist to collaborate with the USC Institute for the Future of Computing (IFC) leadership team, affiliated faculty, graduate students, and other research staff to explore and develop secure computing paradigms and solutions that go beyond the end of Moore’s law and Dennard scaling. You are expected to understand a broad range of topics related to the current state of advanced computing technologies with emphasis on security-aware circuits, architectures, systems, and design automation technologies and have an excellent knowledge of many computing applications in civilian and military fields. You will be responsible for exploring research and development opportunities related to both CMOS and non-CMOS based computing technologies using various design fabrics (full custom, ASIC, FPGA) and platforms (CPU, GPU, domain-specific accelerators) and targeting different objectives (security/privacy, sustainability, high performance, resiliency). You must be able to learn fast, explore new research directions and area, adapt and be able to respond quickly to research opportunities related to main themes and thrusts of IFC.

This is a great opportunity to work with leading researchers, expand one’s skills and experience, and be part of a team that is at the forefront of technology innovation with respect to the future of computing. This involves

Collaborating with the IFC leadership team and associated faculty and students on research problems related to the future of computing and secure computing systems. Identifying with the help of the IFC leadership team opportunities for mid- and large-scale research efforts related to post-CMOS and secure computing systems along with potential faculty team members at USC and collaborators outside USC to respond to such opportunities quickly and effectively. Working with the IFC leadership team and faculty to develop an appropriate response to such opportunities, ranging from white papers and presentation material to preliminary and full proposal submissions. Helping the IFC leadership team and affiliated faculty to manage any successful IFC-sponsored, funded research project, including project reviews, progress reports, and the like.

Successful candidates should demonstrate an outstanding ability to think effectively, coupled with excellent technical depth and breadth that are preferably supplemented with professional experience. They will have a demonstrable ability to define and execute independent research programs and assume technical leadership. Candidates with both theoretical and applied interests are encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Ph.D. Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering (or equivalent).
• Demonstrable technical expertise and research experience in all the following technical areas:

VLSI circuits and computing architectures, System design knowledge including hardware/software codesign, Applications programming language familiarity, Well-developed ability to analyze specifications at the architecture and micro-architecture level to identify design improvements, Secure computing systems, including fully homomorphic encryption and secure multi-party computation, Superconductor electronics fabrics and design methodologies and tools, and C/C++ or similar programming skills.

• Experience of collaborative research projects with partners in industry and academia is a plus.
• Strong prior publication record is high desirable.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale ASIC and system-on-chip design is a plus.

NICE-TO-HAVE

Programming familiarity/background in embedded processor (ARM preferred) Knowledge of high-speed and energy-efficient circuit design Familiarity with the MIT Lincoln Lab fabrication process for superconductor electronics VHDL/Verilog-based design experience Understanding of system-level design and validation processes

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Independent researcher with interest and expertise in a wide range of topics. Willingness and capacity to expand knowledge and technical skills and take on inter-disciplinary research. Ability and capacity to manage a team of researchers and developers. Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to new tasks/challenges. Strong cross-functional skills. Positive mindset, team player. Excellent inter-personal and communication skills. Excellent oral and written English language skills whether native or non-native speaker.

The monthly rate range for this position is $8414.00 - $9800.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations .

Funding Restrictions

This position is funded by a contract/grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract/grant . Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent contract/grant to continue employment. In the event (a) funding for your position changes and it becomes necessary to adjust your percentage of effort; (b) or it becomes necessary for your employment with the University of Southern California to end, you will receive one (1) month written notification of termination.

According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under a [contract/grant] . When you leave, your final paycheck will include pay for days worked, and for accrued and unused vacation. The university does not pay for accrued and unused sick days upon termination.

Your employment may also end for other reasons consistent with university policy.

A complete application should include a cover letter and resume/CV uploaded to the completed online application.  Failure to complete all the steps of our application process will negatively impact consideration of your candidacy.

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