PhD Position – Co-Design of Remote Sensing Applications in Modular Supercomputing Architectures

Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungs­zentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,100 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centres and help us to shape change!

You want to contribute to the creation of a sustainable European scientific High Performance Computing (HPC) ecosystem which can stimulate science and technology? The research group “High Productivity Data Processing (HPDP)” of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre is highly active in developing parallel machine learning methods that can scale on modern systems. HPC systems represent a concrete solution for data-intensive applications that rely on big data storage and high processing capabilities. The HPDP research group is now part of the project EUPEX Pilot – https://eupex.eu/ – which aims at developing the first European platform for HPC. EUPEX will gather and integrate European technologies from system architecture, processor, system software, and development tools all the way to applications.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Co-Design of Remote Sensing Applications in Modular Supercomputing Architectures

Your Job:
The main objective of the PhD project is to develop novel processing workflows based on parallel machine learning algorithms that can scale on heterogeneous HPC technologies. This will improve the access to and analysis of the vast amount of high-resolution and multi-source remote sensing data. In the context of the EUPEX project, you will co-design, test and validate your algorithms on the EUPEX pilot system, which will rely on European technologies in general and on European Processor Technology (EPI) – https://www.european-processor-initiative.eu/ – in particular. The main tasks of your PhD project:

- Analyze selected applications from remote sensing for scalability forecast towards Exascale computing
- Deploy machine learning and deep learning workflows that can scale efficiently on HPC systems
- Optimize codes for the hardware of the EUPEX pilot system
- Perform benchmarking campaigns and provide application support

Your Profile:
- M.Sc. degree in computer science or computer engineering
- Background in data science and/or machine learning
- Knowledge of parallel programming using Message-Passing (MPI) and/or OpenMP experience in High Performance Computing (HPC) is of advantage
- High interest to apply your data science knowledge to remote sensing
- A high level of scholarship as indicated, for example, by bachelor and master study transcripts and two reference letters
- Programming experience in at least one of the following: Python, C, C++
- Excellent communication skills in English are mandatory: TOEFL or equivalent evidence of English-speaking skills
- Very good cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team of scientists in an international and interdisciplinary environment

Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

- You will be employed at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre and enrolled at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science (University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland) – https://english.hi.is/faculty_of_industrial_engineering_mechanical_engineering_and_computer_science.
- A research stay at the University of Iceland is envisaged for a minimum period of time of one year; to obtain your PhD degree at the University of Iceland you will have to acquire 30 ECTS from courses and seminars
- Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree
- A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
- Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors
- Working from home is largely permitted
- The opportunity to be part of the European Pilot for Exascale consortium, a project with 17 academic and industry partners from all over Europe
- Access to advanced supercomputers, in particular Modular Supercomputing Architecture (MSA) environments
- Chance of participating in (international) top conferences in the field of machine learning, HPC, and remote sensing
- Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy, 30 days of annual leave
- Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs/EN/Home/home_node.html, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is initially for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 50% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.

Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations. We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

We look forward to receiving your application until March 31, 2022 via our Online Recruitment System!
https://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Careers/application/_node.html?cms_hre_link_id=cfT6Pdf20NzZ7ev5&cms_lang=en

Questions about the vacancy?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form: https://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Careers/JobKontakt/_node.html?cms_jobid=2022D-023. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

www.fz-juelich.de