Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU's O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute was launched in Fall 2020. We aim to develop research connections between our faculty affiliates and corporations, federal/state/local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

The Institute strives to provide these partners with access to graduate and undergraduate students in our data science programs for project participation, internships, and potential full-time employment. We also serve as a gateway to SMU's high performance computing environment and data science training tutorials and workshops.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Principal Scientist of the O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) will help position SMU as a respected leader in data science and high-performance computing (HPC).

The ODSRCI was recently created to link and enhance data science across SMU campus, enabled by state-of-the-art HPC infrastructure. With support from the inaugural Director of the ODSRCI, the Principal Scientist will help create an ecosystem of data-related research, high performance computing, education, and engagement.

This is an endowed position to nurture creative, innovative, and diverse research.

The person in this role will help launch initiatives across campus that strengthen connection between the fields of research in data science, HPC, AI/ML and future technologies. This position will also assist the Director in identifying opportunities for research funds in SMU's pursuit of R1 status.
Essential Functions:

• The responsibilities of this role include defining strategic research directions as well as growing research funding in data science, AI/ML, and future computing technologies. The Assoc. Director will work with SMU faculty/staff to identify grant and research opportunities and coordinate submission of interdisciplinary proposals to federal, state, industry, and non-profit sponsors.
• This role requires collaboration with industry and academia to advance the O'Donnell Institute's research and development efforts. The Associate Director will evangelize the mission and capabilities of SMU and the O'Donnell Institute in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and HPC. He/she will broadcast SMU's compelling story to further generate philanthropic support for the Institute's growth.
• The O'Donnell Institute provides support to postdocs and students via graduate fellowships, as well as short-term internships. The Assoc. director will help design the students' research projects for maximum impact and learning opportunities. He/she will also provide mentorship to post-docs and graduate students to establish a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary research, and scholarship.
• The O'Donnell Institute holds multiple events throughout the year to communicate its mission and progress to the public and various stakeholders. The Institute also provides trainings and workshops to SMU researchers and collaborators in the areas of data science, AI/ML, as well as high performance computing. The Assoc. director will help design, organize, and execute these events.
• The O'Donnell Institute is the gateway to SMU's state-of-the-art HPC platforms tailored for the implementation and scale-up of AI/ML applications. The use of these platforms require user training as well as application optimization. The Assoc. Director will work with SMU's IT dept. to establish processes for effective user onboarding and usage of SMU's HPC systems.
• Position requires frequent travel to meet sponsors and attend workshops and conferences

Education and Experience:

PhD is required, preferably in computer science, data science or a related field.
A minimum of five years of in-depth research experience is required. An established track record in the fields of data science and AI/ML is also required.
Experience in working across disciplinary boundaries to develop and lead research coalitions preferred. Experience supervising junior researchers and mentoring students desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential. Project management skills preferred.
Candidate must have a good understanding of the interface of academia and industry. Must also have an a wareness of current and upcoming changes in the funding and research landscape. A commitment to personal and professional integrity in all matters, including commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential.

Candidate must have a good understanding of HCP software stacks and paralle computing. Experience with GPU and accelerated computing preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

The position is open until filled
EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .