Research Associate in Simulation and Exploration of Next-generation GenAI Hardware

Location:  South Kensington Campus - Hybrid

About the role:

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the simulation and exploration of next-generation GenAI hardware designs.

The UK's Advanced Research Invention Agency (ARIA) is supporting an ambitious programme of work that aims to reduce the hardware costs associated with training AI models by more than 1000x. The objective of our project, funded within this programme, is to develop a scalable and modular simulation framework. This will require multiple levels of simulation focused at different system layers and levels of fidelity. A key goal is to allow novel hardware ideas to be easily incorporated and evaluated, i.e. to aid the development of next-generation hardware for GenAI.

The objective of our project, funded within this programme, is to develop a scalable and modular simulation framework. This will require multiple levels of simulation focused at different system layers and levels of fidelity. A key goal is to allow novel hardware ideas to be easily incorporated and evaluated, i.e. to aid the development of next-generation hardware for GenAI.

The work at Imperial will focus on the behaviour simulation of the accelerator hardware. To understand how significant change or alternations in the underlying hardware system might translate to the performance metrics impact (such as accuracy or perplexity) of the machine learning models.

The team at Imperial will consist of three investigators: Dr Aaron Zhao (PI and team lead), Prof. George Constantinides and Prof. Wayne Luk.

The team also includes Dr Mai Luo and Prof. Michael O'Boyle from the University of Edinburgh; and Prof. Robert Mullins, Prof. Timothy Jones and Dr Rika Antonova from Cambridge. Overall, there will be great opportunities for collaboration between more than a dozen PhD students and post-doctoral researchers working on this project at Imperial, University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh.

What you would be doing:

1. Research:

• undertake research, e.g. by conducting experiments, interpreting results and generating original ideas based on outcomes;
• write up research work for presentation, publication and in order to report to stakeholders, sponsors or members of the project team;
• contribute to the construction of infrastructure and simulation software;
• make use of standard research techniques and methods;
• assist in the preparation of further research proposals and applications to external bodies;
• conduct literature searches, continually update knowledge and understanding in field of specialism;
• translate knowledge of advances in the subject areas into research activity;
• manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance if required;
• communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature.

2. Teaching and learning support:

• may assist in the supervision of student projects;
• provide limited supervision/instruction to classes.
• may assist in the development of student research skills;
• may plan and deliver seminars relating to the research area.

3. Liaison and networking:

• liaise with colleagues and students on routine matters;
• work with the project’s external partners and stakeholders;
• make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• travel to academic conferences or project meetings to present the work and represent the team.

4. Planning and organising:

• plan the use of research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate;
• plan and manage own research activity in collaboration with others;
• contribute to planning of joint research projects led by principal investigator.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD, or close to submission, in Computer Science/Machine Learning/EEE or relevant subject area
• Research experience with a breadth/depth of knowledge in the discipline and/or research methods/techniques
• Excellent programming skills (Python)
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Machine learning (e.g. in the use of ML for design-space exploration or design, experience of novel training methods or the use of novel machine learning hardware)
  • Simulation (e.g. the design of simulators)
  • Compilation and mapping
  • Computer architecture
  • Systems research

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

If you require any further details about the role please contact: 

Dr Aaron Zhao on a.zhao@imperial.ac.uk                                                              

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

Closing date: 10/10/2024

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.