AI/ML Scientist in Rochester

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester is seeking an exceptional Scientist to join the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Group within the Theory Division. This is a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge AI/ML methods to some of the most challenging scientific and engineering problems in inertial confinement fusion (ICF), high-energy-density physics, advanced materials, and scientific computing.

In this role, you will bridge scientific discovery and AI innovation, developing next- machine learning solutions that accelerate research, optimize advanced manufacturing processes, enhance diagnostic analysis, and support the development of agentic AI systems and scientific knowledge platforms.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and implementation of AI/ML frameworks for process optimization and fabrication of advanced optical materials and devices used in high-power laser systems.
• Develop and oversee secure, internal Retrieval-Augmented (RAG) services and scientific knowledge retention and recommendation systems.
• Contribute to the development of AI surrogates and uncertainty quantification methods for physics-based simulation codes supporting ICF research.
• Create inverse design and real-time optimization capabilities using innovative approaches such as:
• Invertible Neural Networks (INNs)
• Graph Neural Networks (GNNs)
• Neural Operators
• Other advanced AI/ML methodologies
• Partner with scientists, engineers, and experimental teams to deploy scalable machine learning solutions into operational environments.
• Publish research findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and present results to the scientific community.
• Serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator (Co-I) on research proposals, including Genesis Mission initiatives and other externally funded programs.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students conducting AI/ML research in plasma science and related fields.

• PhD in Machine Learning, Physics, Computational Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in scientific AI/ML, differentiable programming, and computational modeling.
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific computing using one or more of the following:
• Python
• PyTorch
• JAX
• Julia
• C++
• Java
• Other modern computational frameworks
• Minimum of five years of research experience in computational sciences, including at least two years of postdoctoral research experience at a university, laboratory, or equivalent research institution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.

Areas of Expertise

Experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Computational Science & Engineering
• Scientific Machine Learning
• Materials Science and Process Optimization
• Computer Science
• High-Performance Computing
• Physics-Informed Machine Learning
• PDE-Based AI Methods

At LLE, you'll work at the intersection of AI, advanced computing, and fusion energy research. You'll collaborate with world-class scientists and engineers while contributing to technologies that advance scientific capabilities and the future of energy. If you're passionate about applying AI/ML to solve complex scientific problems and want to make a lasting impact in a world-leading research environment, we'd love to hear from you.