Job Description

The rapid evolution of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming our understanding of distributed computing and data management systems. The O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct innovative research at the intersection of AI, ML, and High-Performance Computing (HPC). The Fellow will develop and evaluate ML techniques to estimate and optimize resource-efficiency parameters under complex, real-world conditions. The position includes close collaboration with AI/ML researchers across SMU, with a focus on advancing scalable distributed computing, resource-efficient AI, and edge computing systems.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct original research at the intersection of AI/ML and HPC, with an emphasis on distributed, resource-constrained, and real-world computing environments.
• Design, implement, and evaluate ML-driven algorithms for resource-efficiency estimation and optimization, including performance modeling of distributed and networked systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams across SMU to advance scalable distributed computing, resource-efficient AI methods, and edge computing systems, and to disseminate results through publications and presentations.
• Mentor students and contribute to the missions of the O’Donnell Institute and SMU.

Institutional Context

SMU is a nationally ranked, private, non-sectarian R1 research institution located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Postdoctoral Fellows are part of an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community of internationally recognized scholars across the humanities, social sciences, mathematical sciences, engineering, and business. We offer the rare confluence of a comprehensive global research institution and a close-knit intellectual enterprise in the liberal arts tradition. SMU’s Second Century Campaign was the largest fundraising initiative in SMU's history, raising $1.15 billion by the end of 2015 and the next $1.5 billion campaign, SMU Ignited, has just successfully concluded. Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is a culturally rich arts and global business center and is home to many universities, arts organizations and Fortune 500 corporations. Explore the O’Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute at https://www.smu.edu/provost/odonnell-institute and SMU at http://www.smu.edu

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI/ML, with both theoretical and practical proficiency.
• Experience with parallel programming and GPU-based computation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
• Experience with AI/ML model benchmarking and profiling tools.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio and should include a current curriculum vitae and at least three recent letters of recommendation. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application packet must be received by January 31, 2026, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants will be notified of employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.