PhD Project in Enhancing the Parallel Scalability of Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Machine Learning-Based Prediction

Exascale-class high-performance computing offers immense potential to increase the scale, accuracy and fidelity of scientific simulations. Molecular dynamics (MD) present a framework for numerous scientific simulations, however, their parallel scalability is insufficient for exascale simulations. MD simulations employ a particle-based view where interactions among particles are split between short-range interactions (simulated in detail) and long-range interactions (summarised in a field representation). A substantial and fundamental communication bottleneck exists in the communication of the long-range field. We have spearheaded a novel approach to alleviate this bottleneck in a prior research project (ASCCED, https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/X01794X/1) which proposes a dramatically novel approach that increases parallel scalability of MD simulations by predicting (sometimes) values of the long-range field, thereby avoiding their communication and the scalability bottleneck. Initial results show promising speedup while maintaining accuracy in some but not all aspects.

The goal of this project is to investigate, design and evaluate algorithms for accelerating MD simulations based on the estimation or prediction of long-range field values in MD simulations. The algorithms are to minimize end-to-end execution time while minimizing the simulation error. The field values evolve non-linearly and it is an open question what models track this progression accurately. Machine learning models are broadly a feasible class of models and the aim is to identify suitable models and evaluate them in terms of their accuracy and inference overhead. A secondary direction of the research is to design mechanisms to assess the impact of predictions on simulation accuracy during any time step of the simulation. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure accuracy, where important deviations of accuracy can be compensated, e.g., by roll-back actions or by reducing frequency of applying predictions of the field values. These mechanisms should then be integrated in an MD simulation framework and evaluated for their robustness and improved accuracy.

Funding Information

To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.

Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.

Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.

Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.

Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.

A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.

Academic Requirements:

The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Entrance requirements

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.