Job Description

The AI & ML group at the University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics is seeking a scientist to help develop artificial-intelligence methods for the closed loop AI operation of inertial confinement fusion experiments

The position will involve close collaboration with other project partners. The successful candidate will work across scientific machine learning, high-performance computing, and agentic AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine-learning and reinforcement-learning methods for experiment design and optimization.
• Build planning tools that combine surrogate models, uncertainty estimates, physical constraints, and experimental objectives.
• Develop natural-language tools for retrieving, comparing, visualizing, and interpreting experimental data.
• Connect AI systems to approved scientific software, databases, logbooks, and analysis tools.
• Ensure AI-generated recommendations are supported by traceable data, documented reasoning, and human review.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, or a related field.
• Research experience in machine learning, computational science, reinforcement learning, scientific data analysis, or a related area.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python.
• Experience working with scientific simulations, experimental data, or both.
• Ability to collaborate across scientific and technical disciplines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following is desirable:

• Reinforcement learning, planning, Bayesian optimization, or active learning.
• Generative models for scientific or engineering design.
• Agentic AI, tool-calling systems, retrieval-augmented generation, or scientific copilots.
• Plasma physics, fusion energy, high-energy-density physics, or another computational physical science.

Experience in inertial confinement fusion is helpful but not required. Candidates with strong backgrounds in AI or computational science are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• a cover letter;
• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications;
• at least two letters of recommendation

SALARY RANGE: $82,500 to $110,000 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates are set within the job's compensation range, and determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EOE, including disability/protected veterans

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.