SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

SLAC Job Postings

Microelectronics Architecture/Hardware Energy Efficiency Internship

The summer internship will consist of estimating energy used in computing of hardware systems based on published data and also those in research. The intern should have a background in physics, or electrical or computer engineering and computer science. As part of a new initiative from the Department of Energy (DOE) on Energy Efficient Computing, SLAC is offering summer internships for graduate students at SLAC National Laboratory (& Stanford University).

Position Overview:

The internship will focus on estimating energy used in computing of hardware systems based on published data and also those of research systems in laboratories for which data are available. During the internship, the student will work using the basics of computing architecture, memory, interconnects, and hardware to estimate energy requited per operation for different architectures with different implementations of instruction sets and different architectures and processing units like GPU, TPUs etc. This is will be compared with top-down estimates[1] for providing more precise bounds on energy required. The systems of relevance will include general purpose von Neumann architectures (CPUs and GPUS) and special purpose architectures (neuromorphic systems), ASICs and FPGAs. The analysis will provide basis to a larger DOE effort currently developing roadmap for energy efficiency in computing. The application of this analysis can cross ML systems such as those used in Natural Language Processing and also hardware used for scientific computing such as Top500 covering applications including machine learning and measurements in areas of science and engineering including Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Fluid Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, etc.

The objective of this internship is to give students an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience by working on real-world problems related to bridging their expertise in hardware with new perspectives in thinking about computing. This experience will not only enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. It will also give them a boost when applying for jobs or graduate programs in the future. The mentor serves as a co-advisor, and interns may have the opportunity to continue their research during the academic year to fulfill a thesis or other academic requirements.

[1] Shankar, S. and Reuther, A., 2022, September. Trends in Energy Estimates for Computing in AI/Machine Learning Accelerators, Supercomputers, and Compute-Intensive Applications. In 2022 IEEE High Performance Extreme Computing Conference (HPEC) (pp. 1-8). IEEE.Pedersen, J.E., Abreu, S., Jobst, M., Lenz, G., Fra, V., Bauer, F.C., Muir, D.R., Zhou, P., Vogginger, B., Heckel, K. and Urgese, G., 2024. Neuromorphic intermediate representation: A unified instruction set for interoperable brain-inspired computing. Nature Communications, 15(1), p.8122

Specific responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Identify the different architectures and hardware including those used in machine learning, scientific computing etc.
• Identify the instruction
• Outline the nature and quantity of data required for each of the hardware, in discussion with the mentor.
• Conduct data analysis to ascertain the quality and verity of data, in partnership with the mentor.
• Develop models for estimating energy efficiencies for the problems in working with the mentor.
• Carry out Verification, Validation and critical analysis of their estimates
• Refine and develop models to integrate scientific knowledge in the model formulation and training phases.
• Prepare reports and scientific publications outlining the advances under the aegis of the mentor.

Opportunities and Benefits

• Growth and mentorship from exceptionally talented engineers and scientists from SLAC and Stanford University.
• A mission-driven, stable, collaborative, highly interdisciplinary, and supportive work environment.
• Opportunity to experience a multidisciplinary research environment, integrating knowledge from many subject areas spanning computer engineering, physical sciences, applied mathematics, and software applications.

Note: This is an hourly, non-benefits eligible temporary-nonexempt, internship position (work at 50% full-time equivalent or more), not to exceed 980 hours in six consecutive months. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, currently enrolled in an educational program or recently graduated, and have US work authorization. The on-site internship program is for a period of eight weeks and takes place between May and Mid-August, with the start date being contingent on the convenience of the candidate.

To be successful in this position, candidates should:

• Pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in a science, engineering or equivalent discipline.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Passionate about innovative solutions for Science & Engineering problems.
• Some prior experience at Python programming would be beneficial.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability:Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
• Classification Title: SLAC Intern Students [ Level I/II]
• Job Code: 0901
• Duration: Temporary

The expected pay range for this position is $30.12 - $34.23 per hour. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.