Research Software Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics Division (ATAP) has an opening for a Research Software Engineer to join the Superconducting Magnet Program (SMP) team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, testing and maintenance of advanced computer simulation codes to support the development of superconducting magnets, and in particular high-temperature superconducting magnets. Working within the ATAP’s  Superconducting Magnet Program and the Berkeley Center for Magnet Technology (BCMT) as a vital member of a team consisting of physicists, engineers, fabrication teams, post-doctoral scholars, and students. This encompasses the development and analysis of novel computational methods based on Finite Elements, as well as the development, modification and implementation of new and existing software/simulation codes using other techniques such as network-models, on desktop and supercomputers. 

The position also includes participation in research, ensuring technical success of simulation campaigns, code maintenance (bug triage, supercomputer environments, build system, dependencies, deployment and automation), user support, testing and benchmarking, collaboration with physicists and engineers within SMP and BCMT, and reporting of results in scientific presentations and/or literature.

What You Will Do:

• Design, implement, benchmark, tune and debug state-of-the-art methods using Finite Elements on desktop and supercomputers with the goal of accurately simulating the dynamics of current flow in cables, for example composed of ReBCO tapes.
• Support the development and scale-up of network models capable of simulating large-scale dynamics of magnet systems. 
• Lead the numerical analysis of properties of novel algorithms, such as their accuracy, stability, and scalability. 
• Participate as a core-maintainer and developer in the design, development, optimization and maintenance of the suite of codes. This includes the determination of methods and procedures on new developments, bug report triage, user support and coordination of activities of other developers. This also includes maintaining the build system, packaging, deployment and testing workflows. 
• Coordinate and maintain documentation efforts and manage user support, including training, for suites of codes. 
• Participate in all requested assignments, including research, simulation campaigns, collaboration with experimenters and magnet builders, preparation of proposals, documentation of results and reporting results to sponsors, including large formal presentations. 
• Network with key contacts outside the area of expertise. 
• Adhere to Environment, Safety, and Health (EH&S) policies and practices. 
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. 
• Maintain and generate documentation describing work done and systems built. Follow standard methodologies for software development in a collaborative environment. 
• Assist with improvements to team processes including source control, issue management, code review, documentation, and testing.

What is Required:

• Master’s Degree with 5 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience with a strong background in computational methods and scientific computing.
• Demonstrated experience with Finite-Element methods.
• Demonstrated experience in numerical analysis of accuracy and stability of numerical algorithms.
• Demonstrated experience in contributing significant features to multi-team software projects and open-source development.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a cross-disciplinary team to resolve complex issues in collaborative, creative and effective ways, including department and peer review process.
• Understanding of advanced scientific computing techniques and their analysis, including visualization.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computational Science, Mechanical Engineering or related field plus postdoctoral research experience preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in C++ and Python for scientific computing.
• Demonstrated expertise in parallel, High-Performance Computing (MPI, OpenMP) and GPU programming.
• Knowledge of electromagnetics, mechanics, thermal, and hydraulic processes, the mathematical modeling of those processes, and associated numerical solution techniques.

Notes:

• This is a full time 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position is expected to pay a monthly salary of $9,096 - $11,369, which fits within the full salary range of $9,096-$15,350 for this position. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, and aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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