Internship: Hardware-aware data structures and algorithms targeting AI accelerators

IBM Research Zurich seeks an intern to design hardware-aware data structures and algorithms for AI accelerators like GPUs, focusing on system profiling and optimization.

This internship at IBM Research Zurich centers on developing novel data structures and algorithms optimized for modern AI infrastructure, particularly GPUs. The position involves profiling large-scale systems to identify and implement performance enhancements for data-processing and AI components.

Responsibilities

• Create and build new data structures and algorithms that are aware of hardware constraints, specifically leveraging GPU capabilities.
• Improve the performance of key data-processing elements, such as caching layers and database management systems, as well as AI systems like reinforcement learning and search engines.
• Analyze large-scale systems to uncover optimization opportunities made possible by contemporary AI infrastructure.

Requirements

• A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Solid understanding of systems programming and computer architecture.
• Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
• Practical experience with C/C++ programming and software optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with the Linux operating system and standard software development tools like git, GitHub, and IDEs.
• Demonstrated creativity and strong problem-solving skills.

Nice to have

• Previous experience or knowledge of Database Management Systems (DBMS), caching mechanisms, or full-text search systems.
• Background in indexing and compression algorithms.
• Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) networking, including RDMA, and libraries such as MPI, NCCL, or NVSHMEM.
• Familiarity with NVIDIA profiling tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written English proficiency, including presentation abilities.

About the company

IBM Research Zurich fosters an open and multicultural work environment. The company is deeply committed to workplace diversity and provides flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance for its employees.

• Commitment to diversity in the workplace.
• Open and multicultural environment.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.