2027 PhD Graduate - Cyber Researcher - Capabilities Development

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks researchers to push the boundaries of cyber defense. You will join APL’s Capabilities Development Group (QCC) to develop novel tools with multidisciplinary teams of cyber and software engineers, leveraging threat intelligence and cutting‑edge trends to support mission resilience.

You will work with sponsors and end users to understand operational needs, build capable cyber solutions, and explore new research areas applicable to today’s

Qualifications

• PhD in CS, engineering, mathematics or cybersecurity.
• Internship/research experience developing software in Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, Rust, Golang, or equivalent.
• Experience developing concepts, systems, or analytics with understanding of systems engineering or operational planning.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and teamwork ability.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and potential Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Explore cutting‑edge techniques for developing cyber capabilities.
• Develop novel approaches to critical cybersecurity challenges in operational environments.
• Collaborate with sponsors and end users to understand operational needs and define requirements.
• Build mission‑aligned capabilities for defense and intelligence contexts.
• Explore new research areas and apply ideas to current problems.
• Integrate open source or commercial capabilities to enhance cyber capability.
• Share approaches with team members, management, and government decision makers.

Skills

Java/Kotlin

Python

C/C++

Go

JavaScript/TypeScript

Rust

Systems thinking

Clear communication

Education

PhD in computer science, engineering, mathematics or cybersecurity

Tools

React

Vue.js

HTML5

CSS3

JSON/XML

RESTful services

SQL/NoSQL

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about research, discovery, and exploring better ways to do things?

Do you want the chance to push the boundaries of cyber defense?

Are you excited about working with others to solve some of the nation’s toughest cyber challenges?

If so, we want you to join our team at APL’s Capabilities Development Group (QCC)!

We work as a multi-disciplinary team of systems, cybersecurity, and software engineers, who enable mission resilience by developing novel tools. We leverage the latest threat intelligence along with cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, techniques and technologies to achieve an operational advantage for our sponsors.

As a member of our team you will...

• Explore cutting-edge techniques for developing cyber capabilities
• Develop novel approaches to solving critical cybersecurity challenges in operational environments
• Work with sponsors and end users in defense or intelligence organizations to understand their operational needs and identify requirements.
• Build mission-aligned capabilities
• Explore promising new research areas and seek ways to apply ideas to today’s problems
• Integrate and extend open source or commercial capabilities to enhance cyber capability
• Share approaches and methods with others team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Have a PhD degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics or cybersecurity-related field
• Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing software using Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, Rust, Golang, or equivalent
• Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in teams
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subjected to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information up to the Top Secret level. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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

• Have experience using web application frameworks and related knowledge base such as React, Vue.js, HTML5, CSS3, JSON/XML, jQuery, D3, SVG, RESTful web services, or (No)SQL.
• Can apply software development skills to different domains and subject matters.
• Have knowledge of AI/ML, Agentic AI, and/or AI-enabled cyber methodologies.
• Have experience in DevSecOps, and/or network security and systems integration
• Have experience with Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community cyber operations/mission forces
• Have experience in conducting research, development, and testing of cyber capabilities
• Have experience in the development of related documents that define processes, solutions, requirements, and specifications for government agencies (military, federal departments/agencies, state, and local) and public organizations to collaborate and achieve greater cybersecurity
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance.

About Us

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 [e-mail].

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually