2026 PhD Graduate – Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems Postdoc Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,300 - 155,500; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a creative Postdoc researcher to leverage artificial intelligence for impactful national security projects. The role focuses on AI in complex systems, mathematical modeling, and collaboration with domain experts. Strong programming skills in Python and relevant AI methodologies are essential.

Salary ranges from $85,300 to $155,500 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. The organization values diversity and provides opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Published research in peer reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in developing AI/ML software.
• Experience with containerized and cloud environments.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI for Science projects with national security implications.
• Create and evaluate AI methods for scientific problems.
• Collaborate with domain experts and identify funding opportunities.

Skills

Modern AI/ML methods

Deep learning

Python

AI driven surrogate modeling

High Performance Computing (HPC)

Education

PhD in AI, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

Job description

Description

Are you eager to use artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock insights from complex, high dimensional data toward 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 Postdoc 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 a creative Postdoc problem solver with strong technical capabilities and initiative to join our team in taking on challenges in complex systems. The Complex Systems Group, part of the Intelligent Systems Center, 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, and AI guided design. We develop methods to drive discovery and design across scientific and engineering domains toward national security impact. This may include AI research in materials, protein engineering, chemistry, earth systems, and other physical and biological systems.

Responsibilities

As a Postdoc researcher in our group, your primary responsibility will be contributing to and leading AI for Science projects with national security implications. You will create, adapt, and evaluate modern AI methods, including machine learning models, frontier AI systems, agentic workflows, physics and domain informed learning, AI driven surrogate models, and closed loop discovery architectures for scientific and engineering problems. You will establish collaborations with science and engineering domain experts, propose ideas for funding, work with Program Managers to identify growth opportunities, publish research in impactful venues, and engage with the external research community, collaborators, and sponsors.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a relevant field such as AI, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering.
• Published previous research in peer reviewed journals and/or conferences.
• Experience in one or more key technical skills, including modern AI/ML methods, deep learning, foundation models, agentic workflows, physics or domain informed ML, AI driven surrogate modeling, diffusion modeling, neural operators, graph neural networks, large language models, or symbolic AI.
• Proficiency in Python and developing AI/ML software.
• Experience with containerized, cloud, High Performance Computing (HPC), or distributed computing environments.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Additional qualifications desired

• Background knowledge in a science or engineering discipline such as materials, chemistry, biology, or advanced manufacturing.
• Skills in project management or leading technical teams.
• Experience writing technical proposals, particularly for government research sponsors.
• Experience applying AI/ML to real world data such as remote sensing data, materials data, omics data, or additive manufacturing data.
• Experience with relevant Python based AI and scientific computing tools, such as PyTorch, JAX, or related libraries.

Benefits and Compensation

Minimum Rate: $85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate: $155,500 Annually

Employment Equity Statement

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. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].