2026 PhD Graduate - Statistics and Data Science

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Education assistance

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, is looking for a recent PhD graduate in Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. The role involves working with multi-disciplinary teams to assess performance systems for national defense, developing statistical models, and communicating insights to decision-makers.

The ideal candidate should have a strong foundation in statistical methods and be skilled in programming languages like Python or R. A comprehensive benefits package is provided, with salaries ranging from $105,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong foundations in statistical inference, probability, statistical modeling, and experimental design.
• Experience using Python, R, or similar languages for quantitative analysis.

Responsibilities

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams on data collection, processing, and analysis.
• Develop and evaluate statistical models for defense applications.
• Communicate technical knowledge clearly to various stakeholders.

Skills

Statistical inference

Statistical modeling

Python

R

Experimental design

Bayesian methods

Project management

Education

PhD in Data Science

PhD in Statistics

PhD in Physics

PhD in Mathematics

PhD in Computer Science

Tools

Stan

PyMC

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy exploring and analyzing data to find data-driven solution to complex problems?

Do you want to contribute to work that is crucial to maintaining our national security and strength?

Are you continuously searching for new ways to grow your knowledge and improve your skills?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field, we would love to have you join our team! We are seeking a new PhD graduate with expertise in statistics to support multi-disciplinary teams performing a variety of quantitative tasks for defense and national security applications. You will be joining a varied team of engineers, software developers, statisticians, data scientists, and analysts who are committed to advancing the state-of-the-art in performance evaluation of the nation’s strategic weapons systems throughout their lifecycle. We believe in continually growing our capabilities and cultivating a work environment that embraces innovation, integrity, trust, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to support development of data collection, processing, and analysis efforts to assess the performance of a number of systems supporting the Navy and Air Force.
• Develop and evaluate statistical models for complex defense applications, including uncertainty quantification, inference, forecasting, and decision support.
• Apply statistical reasoning for data-driven studies, selecting appropriate methods (e.g., Bayesian or frequentist approaches) based on the problem.
• Quantify and communicate uncertainty, assumptions, and limitations to support sound decision-making in complex, real‑world settings.
• Use internal funding opportunities to shape the direction of future research.
• Communicate technical knowledge by articulating ideas clearly through papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have a PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related field.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and on a team.
• Have strong foundations in statistical inference, probability, statistical modeling, and experimental design.
• Have experience using scientific programming tools such as Python, R, or similar languages for quantitative analysis.
• Have experience investigating and adapting modern statistical and computational methods to address emerging analysis challenges in sparse, noisy, or high-dimensional data settings.
• Demonstrate experience with statistical modeling, inference, or experimental design approaches such as Bayesian methods, regression, causal inference, or hypothesis testing.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have experience in project management or leading technical teams.
• Have experience in writing technical proposals, particularly to government research projects.
• Have experience mentoring students, teaching, or communicating complex technical concepts in academic, research, or professional settings.
• Have contributed to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, or presentations in statistics, machine learning, applied mathematics, or related fields.
• Have experience using probabilistic programming frameworks such as Stan, PyMC, or similar tools.
• Have research or professional experience developing reproducible analytical workflows, computational research tools, or statistical methodologies for complex quantitative problems.

Benefits

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 [e-mail].

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.

Minimum Rate $105,000 Annually. Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually.