2027 PhD Graduate - Neural Engineering Researcher

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Neural Engineering Researcher to drive the development of machine learning models and neurotechnologies for connectomics and neurally-inspired AI. You will lead multi-disciplinary research with engineers and scientists, collaborating with government and commercial partners to advance intelligent systems that enable strategic capabilities.

The role emphasizes pioneering research, leadership potential, and the ability to communicate

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Experience building ML models, data analysis pipelines, or scalable scientific software.
• Experience in connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired AI or foundation-model neurobehavioral analysis.
• Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML models, systems, and computational methods across connectomics and neurally-inspired AI.
• Lead and collaborate on pioneering research with government and commercial partners.
• Work with engineers/scientists to build ML algorithms, software platforms, and neurotechnology for nervous system analytics.
• Communicate findings internally and to sponsors, including proposal development.

Skills

Machine learning

Neural engineering

Data analysis

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, or related

Job description

Are you passionate about using neuroscience and artificial intelligence to better understand the brain and build the next generation of intelligent systems?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, or a related subject area, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking a researcher to contribute to and lead pioneering work in connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or neurobehavioral research. We are a large multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists engaged in groundbreaking research spanning neuroengineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, and complex systems. We are looking for a motivated and collaborative teammate to support research and development of intelligent systems as a strategic advantage for the nation.

As a Neural Engineering Researcher...

• Your primary role will be developing machine learning models, systems, and computational methods spanning connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or neurobehavioral research.
• You will make an impact as an emerging leader on a multi-disciplinary research team, collaboratively leading and conducting pioneering research with government and commercial partners.
• You will collaborate with engineers and scientists to develop machine learning algorithms, software platforms, and neurotechnology for analyzing, understanding, and interacting with the nervous system.
• You will communicate key findings both internally across teams and externally to sponsors, including in proposal development.

Qualifications

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

• Have a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, or a related subject area
• Have classroom or professional experience developing machine learning models, computational methods, data analysis pipelines, and/or scalable scientific software.
• Have classroom or professional experience conducting research in connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or foundation model-based neurobehavioral analysis.
• Are able to obtain Secret level 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 developing or applying advanced machine learning methods—including deep learning, foundation models, generative AI, or statistical learning—to large-scale biomedical, behavioral, imaging, or neurophysiological datasets.
• Have experience working on a fast-paced government-funded effort (e.g. DARPA project).
• Have a Secret level security clearance or above.

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 [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