2026 PhD Graduate - Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems Researcher

Are you eager to use artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven methods to unlock insights from complex, high-dimensional data?

Do you want to bring innovative AI to real-world challenges in domains like earth systems, materials science, biology, and advanced manufacturing?

Are you pursuing studies in AI, machine learning, data science, or a related field-and looking for a role where you can push the boundaries of AI for Science in interdisciplinary and high-impact ways?

If so, we'd love to meet you!

We are seeking creative problem solvers with relevant technical capabilities and interests, as well as initiative, to join our team in taking on technical challenges in complex systems. The Complex Systems Group, part of the Intelligent Systems Center (www.jhuapl.edu/isc), conducts research at the intersection of AI and complex systems science, with an emphasis on advancing capabilities in machine learning based surrogate models, scientific automation, AI-assisted reasoning, and AI-guided design. We develop methods to drive discovery and design across scientific domains-including earth systems, materials, protein engineering, and other physical and biological systems.

As a researcher in our group, your primary responsibility will be contributing to and leading AI projects for complex systems. As a member of our research team, you will contribute to projects in a variety of ways, such as designing, training, and developing machine learning (ML) algorithms, collecting and preparing data, evaluating models, and programming. You will establish collaborations with complex system domain experts and seek opportunities to propose your ideas for internal or external funding. You will also establish working relationships with our Program Managers to identify opportunities to grow our work in key areas. You will publish your research in impactful venues and engage with the external research community, external collaborators, and sponsors.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Have a PhD degree in a relevant field such as AI, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering.
• Have published previous research in peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences.
• Have experience in one or more of our core skills: AI/ML algorithms, data science, deep learning, graph theory, software development, or statistical analysis.
• Are proficient in Python programming.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Have background knowledge in earth systems, materials, chemistry, biology, additive manufacturing, or other complex systems.
• Are skilled in project management or leading technical teams.
• Have experience writing technical proposals, particularly government research sponsors.
• Have experience applying AI/ML to real-world data such as remote sensing data, earth systems data, materials data, omics data, or additive manufacturing related data.
• Have proficiency in developing AI/ML software.
• Have experience with AI/ML and data science libraries such as PyTorch and the Hugging Face stack.
• Are familiar with advanced AI methods like agentic AI, physics-informed neural networks, neural operators, diffusion modeling, graph neural networks, Bayesian optimization, active learning, large language models, and symbolic AI.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.