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Doctoral research

Currently closed. Doctoral research in high-performance computing, memory systems, and distributed storage
ClosedExpress future interest (opens in a new tab)This role is closed. The form records future interest and does not replace an Illinois Tech Ph.D. application.

GRC is not currently recruiting doctoral researchers. The role involves high-performance computing, memory systems, computer architecture, and distributed storage. Research connects with Dr. Xian-He Sun, Dr. Anthony Kougkas, and Dr. Bogdan Nicolae.

Students build systems, evaluate them on research computing facilities, and contribute to research software developed with national laboratory collaborators.

Research Areas

Doctoral work connects four areas of computer systems research.

Memory-centric computing and architecture

Study memory hierarchies, processing-in-memory, and memory-driven system design

Distributed and parallel I/O systems

Design scalable I/O middleware for exascale systems

High-performance storage optimization

Develop caching, prefetching, and data placement methods

Data management for AI and machine learning

Study storage for deep-learning training and inference pipelines

Examples from the center’s project portfolio include Hermes, ChronoLog, and IOWarp.

Research support and funding

Tuition
Funding terms depend on any future opening and its award; no funded position is currently available
Stipend
Stipend terms will be stated with any future funded opening
Computing
In-house clusters (Ares and HEC), national facility allocations, tutorials, and onboarding guides
National laboratories
Collaboration on funded projects with researchers at Argonne, Sandia, and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories
Travel
Conference travel support depends on the project and available funding
Publications
GRC students have published at SC, IPDPS, HPDC, CCGrid, CLUSTER, and ICS

Requirements

The closed role describes the following background:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python
  • Interest in systems research (operating systems, computer architecture, storage, or networks)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and spoken English communication skills

Program application materials

Applicants must also follow the current requirements of the Illinois Tech Computer Science Ph.D. program.

  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Test scores required under the current program policy
  • English-proficiency scores for international applicants, where required under the current program policy

Future interest and program admission

  1. Review the admission requirements of the Illinois Tech Computer Science Ph.D. program (opens in a new tab)
  2. Identify the GRC research areas and projects that match your background and interests
  3. If you separately seek Ph.D. admission, use the official Illinois Tech portal. Admission does not guarantee a GRC role or funding
  4. Use the GRC interest form to share your background for future opportunities. GRC has no open doctoral role at present
Express future interest (opens in a new tab)

For questions about PhD opportunities, please contact us at grc@illinoistech.edu.

About Illinois Tech & the Department of Computer Science

Illinois Tech’s Department of Computer Science offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in computer science. Its research spans high-performance computing, distributed systems, data science, and algorithms. The department connects students with Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and local industry. The main campus is about 10 minutes from downtown Chicago.