Rice University · 14 hours ago
Computational Scientist for AI
Houston, TX
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$95K/yr - $105K/yr
3+ years expRice University is a prestigious institution located in Houston, Texas, known for its commitment to research and education. They are seeking a computational scientist to support researchers in utilizing high-performance computing systems, particularly focusing on AI and GPU workflows to enhance research capabilities across various disciplines.
EducationHigher EducationService IndustryUniversities
Responsibilities
Consult with researchers to determine their needs
Perform computerized data processing operations and statistical analyses of research data
Perform computing programming, debugging, and documentation; assist in interpretation and reporting of results
Collaborate in problem assessment, analysis, and development of computational methods or procedures, independently evaluating, selecting, and applying appropriate methods to specific research problems
Propose solutions in engineering, the sciences, and other fields using mathematical theories and techniques
Optimize and extend algorithms, analysis pipelines, and software to ensure effectiveness and scalability of computing infrastructure
Provide consultation and expertise with computer applications for research problems; perform computerized data processing operations and statistical analyses of research data; create visualizations of results
Perform outreach and training activities to ensure the relevance of current and new service developments and to facilitate user success
Contribute to technical proposal preparation and/or presentations
Mentor assigned staff and/or graduate students in the development of technical, project, and related organizational or support skills
Manage projects of moderate size, scope, and complexity
Participate in CRC incident response; while infrequent, this may involve evening or weekend work
Perform other duties as assigned
Support faculty and students on a variety of AI/ML research projects, including large language models, generative AI, and neural networks
Develop scalable AI applications using frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Keras
Optimize models for GPU-accelerated HPC environments
Integrate AI tools and techniques into research computing workflows
Provide consultation, training workshops, and documentation for AI tools
Collaborate on grant proposals and interdisciplinary research
Monitor, tune, and troubleshoot AI workloads and applications
Participate in professional organizations and attend relevant conferences, such as SIG-HPC, the Campus Research Computing Consortium, and PEARC
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in computer science, computational chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field
3+ years of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, GPU workflows, and/or HPC environments that support AI/ML and GPU research computing workflows
Understanding of research computing and data systems, including high-performance computing, web-based data platforms, large-scale data storage, and networking technologies
Expert knowledge of UNIX/Linux systems
Proficiency in Python, C++, R, or other programming languages used in scientific research involving machine learning, deep learning, and parallel computing
Experience with MPI/OpenMP and/or CUDA, PyTorch, and TensorFlow
Experience with AI/ML software installation, testing, and tuning
Experience using GPUs to accelerate AI or ML workflows
Strong written and oral communication skills
Ability to establish effective, ongoing relationships with faculty, students, staff, management, external institutional partners, and other stakeholders, and to work constructively with those stakeholders to solve technical and research problems
Strong time management and prioritization skills
Ability to execute highly complex or specialized projects; ability to adapt precedent and make significant departures from traditional approaches to develop solutions
Strong problem-solving skills
Depth of knowledge in the technical discipline or domain needed to deliver projects
Preferred
Advanced degree (Master's level or PhD) with domain or applied research computing skills
Experience with large language models (LLMs), transformer architectures, and multimodal AI
Familiarity with Docker, Slurm, Jupyter, CUDA, and/or other HPC/AI tools
Experience with digital twin technologies
Experience running tightly or loosely coupled simulations on parallel or GPU systems
Understanding of density functional theory (DFT), finite element methods (FEM), Monte Carlo simulations, or multiscale modeling
Experience with outreach, user engagement, and training non-technical or multidisciplinary audiences on technical subjects
Familiarity with on-premise and/or commercial cloud platforms for AI
Company
Rice University
Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (113)
2024 (81)
2023 (71)
2022 (65)
2021 (82)
2020 (86)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$80.9MKey Investors
National Heart, Lung and Blood InstituteAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthUS Department of Energy
2024-09-19Grant
2024-08-13Grant· $18M
2023-07-27Grant
Leadership Team
Ken Medlock
James A Baker III and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics
Kyle Judah
Executive Director, Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)
Recent News
2026-01-25
2026-01-19
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