[Hiring] Post Masters Research Associate – Large Language Models @Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Role Description

The Optimization and Control Group within the Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD) is looking for a Post-Masters RA to contribute to innovative research on developing agentic systems to address interoperability challenges in the buildings domain. The position will focus on the application of artificial intelligence, particularly large language models (LLMs), to solve interoperability challenges that significantly hinder the large-scale deployment of smart applications in buildings and other related domains. The candidate will play a key role in designing autonomous workflows that translate complex physical system data into actionable, automated decisions.

The Post-Masters RA will work with PNNL staff on:

• Design, implementation, and testing of agentic AI frameworks for residential and commercial buildings.
• Understanding of large-language models, frontier AI, retrieval-augmented protocol, and model context protocol.
• Experience developing multi-agent systems for large-scale deployments.
• Implementing and testing frameworks in Python.
• Summarizing technical findings in presentations and/or peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and next-generation control systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree received within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming for complex data analysis, task automation, and algorithm development.
• Hands-on experience developing, evaluating, or deploying artificial intelligence and machine learning models, specifically generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
• Strong understanding of agentic systems and reasoning frameworks.
• Prior experience related to building energy systems, smart grid technologies, or smart building controls.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications or academic contributions in artificial intelligence or engineering applications.

Requirements

• Not Applicable for Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment.
• This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth care options.
• Several mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Basic life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Business travel insurance.
• Tuition assistance.
• Relocation assistance.
• Backup childcare.
• Legal benefits.
• Supplemental parental bonding leave.
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance.
• Fertility support.
• Company-funded pension plan.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Up to 120 vacation hours per year.
• Ten paid holidays per year.

Company Description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations, and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors.

PNNL is located in eastern Washington State, known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.