Postdoctoral Research Associate - AI-Driven Software & Systems Research
At a glance
Junior AI Research role at Purdue University. Indianapolis · $50,000–$60,000 base.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Research AI-based programming systems or software engineering in line with the center’s priorities
- Turn your research into papers for leading journals and conferences
- Coordinate with faculty, students and industry partners on joint research
- Support proposal writing, student mentoring and research activities across disciplines
What you bring
- Earn a doctorate in computer science, computer engineering or another listed field before the position begins
- Show a strong record of publications or clear potential to produce research
- Communicate effectively and work well with collaborators across disciplines
Who this fits
This postdoctoral role suits an early-career researcher focused on AI for programming systems or software engineering. The initial appointment lasts two years, with extension possible based on performance and funding. You may choose West Lafayette or Indianapolis as your main workplace and collaborate across both campuses.
From the employer
Overview
Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions
AI-Driven Software & Systems Research
The newly established Intelligent Software & Systems Center (ISC) in the College of Engineering at Purdue University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the broad area of AI-driven software and systems research. These are highly collaborative positions offering the opportunity to help shape a new interdisciplinary research center at one of the nation’s leading engineering institutions.
The appointments are expected to begin in Fall 2026 and are initially for 2 years, with possible extension depending on performance and funding availability.
VISION
Position Purdue as a national leader in AI-driven software and systems research spanning edge computing, cloud and distributed systems, high-performance computing (HPC), autonomous software infrastructures, and AI-enabled engineering systems.
RESEARCH AREAS
Area 1 — AI for Programming Systems
Research topics include AI-assisted compilation and optimization, intelligent runtime systems, code generation and transformation, HPC, parallel and distributed computing, compiler infrastructures, heterogeneous systems, and autonomous system optimization.
Desired expertise includes compilers, runtime systems, programming languages, HPC, systems for AI/ML, performance optimization, and distributed systems.
Area 2 — AI for Software Engineering
Research topics include AI-assisted software development, intelligent software architecture and design, automated testing and verification, code generation and repair, DevOps and deployment
automation, software maintenance and evolution, software reliability and security, and self-adaptive software systems.
Desired expertise includes software engineering, AI for SE, software architecture, testing and QA, DevOps, software security, software analytics, program analysis, and automated software engineering.
About ISC
ISC is a newly founded research center within the College of Engineering at Purdue University. The center aims to pioneer the next generation of intelligent software systems that are adaptive, efficient, trustworthy, and capable of continuous self-improvement.
ISC will serve as a cross-disciplinary hub connecting researchers in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, and related areas to accelerate innovation in intelligent software technologies.
Responsibilities
• Conduct cutting-edge research aligned with ISC’s strategic directions
• Publish in top-tier conferences and journals
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and industry partners
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives
• Help coordinate research activities and community-building efforts within ISC
• Assist with proposal development and collaborative projects
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students
Compensation and Benefits
• Competitive salary: $50,000–$60,000/year plus benefits
• Full Purdue employee benefits package
• Professional travel support for conferences and collaborations
• Access to Purdue’s advanced computing and research infrastructure
• Opportunities for collaboration across Purdue’s West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses
Location
The position spans Purdue’s two rapidly growing Indiana campuses:
West Lafayette, Indiana — Home to Purdue’s flagship campus and internationally recognized engineering and computing programs.
Indianapolis, Indiana — A vibrant urban innovation hub with strong connections to industry, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and technology ecosystems.
Postdoctoral researchers will have workspace access at both locations and may choose one campus as their primary workplace while collaborating regularly with researchers at the other campus.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
• A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong publication record or demonstrated research potential
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary environments
Application Materials
Interested applicants should submit:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Research statement
3. Representative publications
4. Contact information for 2–3 references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
For inquiries, please contact: Xipeng Shen (shen810@purdue.edu)