Staff Scientist, O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute

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. The Institute aims to develop research connections between SMU's 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 Staff Scientist in the O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) will support SMU's research activities in data science, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and high-performance computing (HPC). The ODSRCI was established to enhance and connect data-intensive research across the SMU campus through advanced computational infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with the Director, faculty, and research teams, the Staff Scientist will contribute technical and research expertise to projects involving data analytics, scientific computing, AI/ML, and related computational methods.

Essential Functions:

• The responsibilities of this role include contributing to research activities in data science, AI/ML, high-performance computing, and related emerging technologies through participation in assigned projects and collaborative initiatives. The Staff Scientist will help identify external funding opportunities and contribute to proposal development and submission.
• This role requires collaboration with industry and academia to advance the O'Donnell Institute's research and development efforts. The Staff Scientist will promote the mission and capabilities of SMU and the O'Donnell Institute in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and HPC. He/she will communicate SMU's strengths and accomplishments to help support the Institute's continued growth.
• The O'Donnell Institute provides support to graduate students through graduate fellowships and short-term internships. The Staff Scientist will help design student research projects for maximum impact and learning opportunities. He/she will also provide mentorship to graduate students to help 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 training and workshops to SMU researchers and collaborators in the areas of data science, AI/ML, and high-performance computing. The Staff Scientist will help design, organize, and execute these events.
• Occasional travel to meet sponsors and attend workshops and conferences is required.

Education and Experience:

Doctoral degree is required. A degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field is preferred.

A minimum of two years of research experience and established track record in the fields of data science and AI/ML is required.

Experience working across disciplinary boundaries to develop research conditions is preferred. Experience in mentoring student is preferred.

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.

Candidate must have a good understanding of the interface of academia and industry.

Candidate must have awareness of current and upcoming changes in the funding and research landscape.

Knowledge of HPC software stacks and parallel computing is required. Experience with GPU and accelerated computing is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 1, 2026

The position is open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

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 .