AI Researcher - Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems

Description

Are you eager to use artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock insights from complex systems data towards national security impact?

Do you want to bring innovative AI to real-world challenges in domains such as materials science, biology, chemistry, and advanced manufacturing?

Are you pursuing studies in AI, machine learning, or a related field and looking for a role where you can bring your expertise, initiative, and innovation to AI for Science in interdisciplinary and high-impact ways?

If so, we’d love to meet you!

We are seeking creative problem solvers with a variety of capabilities and interests, as well as demonstrated initiative, to join our team. The Complex Systems Group conducts research at the intersection of AI and complex systems, with an emphasis on advancing capabilities in machine learning-based surrogate models, scientific automation, AI-assisted reasoning, AI-guided design, and emerging foundation model capabilities such as large language models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI systems. We develop methods to drive discovery and design across scientific and engineering domains toward national security impact.  This includes AI “co‑investigator” approaches that integrate LLMs with simulation tools, domain knowledge, and complex data to support hypothesis generation, experiment design, and result interpretation. This may include AI research in materials, protein engineering, chemistry, earth systems, and other physical and biological 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, programming, developing tool-using and multi-step agentic workflows, and prototyping AI co‑investigator capabilities for scientific discovery. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and fostering a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow both within AI and data science, as well as in the complex systems we study.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. or M.S. in a STEM field, such as AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or a related discipline.

• Are proficient in Python programming.

• Have experience in at least one relevant technical area, such as machine learning, data science, deep learning, graph-based methods, scientific computing, statistical analysis, or software development.

• Have experience with AI/ML and data science libraries or frameworks such as PyTorch, Hugging Face, NumPy, pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn, or similar tools.

• Have experience with LLMs, RAG systems, agent frameworks, tool-using AI systems, or multi-step agentic workflows.

• Have familiarity with, or strong interest in learning emerging AI paradigms such as LLM-based agents, tool-using AI systems, retrieval-augmented generation, or AI-assisted scientific discovery.

• Have interest in applying AI to scientific or engineering domains such as earth systems, materials science, biology, chemistry, additive manufacturing, or other complex systems.

• Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire 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 experience applying AI/ML to real-world data such as materials data, omics data, additive manufacturing related data, satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and/or earth systems data,

• Have experience with research software development practices, including Git, testing, documentation, reproducible workflows, or collaborative code review.

• Have experience with scientific computing, simulation tools, high-performance computing, cloud computing, workflow automation, or scalable model training and inference.

• Are familiar with advanced AI methods such as generative models, physics-informed neural networks, surrogate models, graph neural networks, foundation models, active learning, Bayesian optimization, design of experiments, or uncertainty quantification.

• Have experience performing AI research, especially in a relevant complex systems domain, including developing “AI co‑investigator” capabilities for literature analysis, hypothesis generation, experiment or simulation design, or automated scientific reasoning.

• Have experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or domain experts to translate real-world scientific and engineering challenges into AI/ML approaches.

• Have experience communicating technical results through presentations, reports, publications, prototypes, or open-source contributions.

About Us

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 https://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 [email protected].

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.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually