Are you an early-career expert in artificial intelligence (AI)?

Are you interested in developing new interdisciplinary research collaborations?

Do you want to make an impact on national security, public health, or space exploration?

The AI Group in the Intelligent Systems Center () is inventing the future of AI for JHU/APL and the nation. We are currently looking for new researchers with ideas for pioneering work in multimodal perception, autonomous decision-making, AI safety and assurance, large language models, or human-machine teaming. If you are a recent PhD graduate in an AI-related field, we want to meet you!

As a researcher in our group, your primary responsibility will be contributing to and leading fundamental research in AI/ML and applying your ideas to real-world problems. You will begin by writing code, analyzing data, and running experiments in support of current projects. Within your first year, you will get many opportunities to propose your own ideas for internal seedling funding. Within the first five years, we expect you to work with our Program Managers to grow these seedlings into externally-funded projects. Along the way, you will continue to publish your work and present your vision to the scientific community, external collaborators, and/or government sponsors.

Our team is committed to excellence in research with real-world mission intent. Successful researchers tend to be creative problem solvers who have lots of initiative. Our culture welcomes a diversity of backgrounds and professional experience as we aim to solve hard, interdisciplinary problems.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Have a PhD degree in a relevant field such as AI, Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics.

• Have published your dissertation research in peer-reviewed journals and/or conferences.

• Are skilled in Python programming and are familiar with commonly-used AI/ML libraries such as PyTorch and the HuggingFace stack, including the transformers library.

• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret to start and obtain a final DoD Top Secret security 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 training or fine-tuning the latest Generative AI models.

• Have experience in project management or leading technical teams.

• Have experience in writing technical proposals, particularly to government research sponsors.

• Have experience applying AI/ML to real-world data such as full-motion video, satellite or medical imagery, unstructured text, electronic health records, or audio recordings.

• Have experience developing AI/ML software that integrates with hardware such as sensors, robotic platforms, or medical devices.

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 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

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.