Computer Hardware PhD Researcher

USC’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a unit of the university’s Viterbi School of Engineering, is a world leader in the research and development of advanced information processing, computing, communications and artificial intelligence technologies. ISI’s 400 faculty, professional staff and graduate students carry out extraordinary information sciences research at three distinct locations - Arlington, VA; Marina Del Rey, CA; and Waltham, MA.

*This position is based in Arlington, VA. Hybrid work options are available.*

Information processing capabilities are more important than ever, including hardware architectures and systems-on-chip that can reach new heights of efficiency, agility, security and more. Such problems of national importance are being tackled by ISI, which is developing game-changing hardware architectures, specialized tools, and ASIC- and FPGA-based prototypes that can lead to successful technology transition. A sampling of active projects includes an accelerator for encrypted computation (Trebuchet), an agile coarse-grained reconfigurable RF processor, and elite FPGA EDA tools that can scale to provide hardware assurance of billion-transistor devices.

Pursue transformational applied research while helping to invent a better and more secure future. ISI has an opening in its Arlington, VA office for a Computer Hardware PhD Researcher to research and develop new hardware solutions for problems of national importance. The Researcher will collaborate with peers within the group and across ISI, propose major innovations, develop prototypes, oversee laboratory demonstrations, publish results in top-tier conferences, and learn to craft their ideas into winning proposals. The Researcher will develop advanced computer architectures and implement designs on applied research programs from top research sponsors such as DARPA, IARPA, and the CHIPS Act. The Researcher will additionally have opportunities to use ISI’s resurgent MOSIS 2.0 service, interact with the California DREAMS superhub, and collaborate with ISI’s Application-Specific Intelligent Computing Lab to architect systems building upon CMOS and Beyond CMOS devices. ISI provides a unique environment for leading-edge government-funded applied research with strong ties to academia that include USC’s pioneering Frontiers in Computing and School of Advanced Computing, and potential paths to becoming Research Faculty.

Summary of Job Responsibilities:

• Invent novel information processing approaches and computer architectures
• Explore digital, analog, multi-die, and emerging architectures
• Architect, design, and oversee the testing of ASIC prototypes
• Design FPGA-based emulation systems and testbeds
• Supervise research engineers and graduate student interns
• Collaborate with leading faculty and partners
• Help to conceive and create research ideas and proposals

Position-specific JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science
• Expert RTL digital design skills (Verilog/System Verilog/VHDL)
• High-quality publications related to computer architecture and/or chip design
• Demonstrated ability for clear communication
• Ability to work in ISI’s Arlington, VA office on a hybrid basis

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in FPGA-based development
• Familiarity with agile hardware methodology
• Experience with performance modeling
• Experience with neuromorphic, non-von Neumann, or other unconventional approaches
• U.S. permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. Current SECRET clearance or higher is a plus.

The annual base salary range for this position is $155,500 - $177,800. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

This position is funded by a contract or grant and may be funded by a subsequent contract or grant. Accordingly, your position is contingent upon receipt of the necessary funding from this or any subsequent [contract/grant] to continue employment. In the event (a) funding for your position changes and it becomes necessary to adjust your percentage of effort; (b) or it becomes necessary for your employment with the University of Southern California to end, you will receive one (1) month written notification of termination.

According to university policy, no severance benefits are paid to employees hired under a contract or grant. When you leave, your final paycheck will include pay for days worked, and for accrued and unused vacation. The university does not pay for accrued and unused sick days upon termination.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Doctorate Minimum Experience: <1 year Minimum Skills: Demonstrated record of outstanding research contributions and experience. Proven technical proficiency, exceptional creativity, successful collaboration with others, and independent thought. Strong managerial skills. Demonstrated reputation as an emerging leader in field with sustained performance and accomplishment. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize research directions, exert technical leadership, communicate technical ideas, coordinate individual contributions to a research program, and present research plans and results in a manner that will elicit favorable funding actions.