2027 PhD Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Detection, Biosurveillance, and Mitigation of Emerging Biological Threats

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel opportunities

Career development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance AI-driven detection, surveillance, and mitigation of biological threats. You will contribute to high‑impact projects applying ML models and in‑silico simulations across public health and biothreat domains.

The role emphasizes independent research leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration with computational scientists, public health professionals, and engineers, and dissemination through reports and

Qualifications

• PhD in Public Health, Biological Sciences, or Engineering in a relevant field.
• Strong AI/machine learning background with public health or biological systems applications and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with experience presenting to mixed audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Methodical, meticulous work practices and strong interpersonal, organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis methods and experimental design.
• Proficiency with Python, R, or other programming languages; experience with high‑performance computing.

Responsibilities

• Devise and lead an independent AI-focused research project addressing biological challenges.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams in computational and data analytics environments.
• Write technical reports and publications and present findings to internal teams, sponsors, and the broader scientific community.
• Leverage novel findings to advance mitigation strategies against disease.
• Propose novel ideas and develop internal and external proposals for hard biological problems.

Skills

AI methods

Python

R

Statistical analysis

Public health knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Education

PhD in Public Health

PhD in Biological Sciences

PhD in Engineering (computational/AI focus)

Tools

High-performance computing

Peer-reviewed publications

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about being at the forefront of research for infectious diseases, biology, and public health? Are you excited about AI‑enabled detection, surveillance, and mitigation of emerging biological threats?

Do you have experience applying machine‑learning models (e.g., predictive algorithms, ensemble methods, advanced pathogen simulation techniques, etc.) to tackle some of the most complex biothreat challenges facing the Nation?

Do you thrive when working with interdisciplinary teams that blend computational science, public health, and biological sciences?

If you are graduating (or have recently graduated) with a PhD in Public Health, a Biological Science discipline, or a closely related field such as Statistics or Engineering with a computational/AI focus, we’d love to have you join our team!

APL works across the U.S. Government applying the full spectrum of science and engineering to improve the nation’s ability to understand and safely mitigate biological threats. We partner closely across the whole of the Johns Hopkins enterprise, and with collaborators in government, academia, and industry, to build innovative science and technology solutions to biosecurity challenges. At APL, you will be among creative problem solvers and motivated life‑long learners who strive to ensure the health of our Nation's warfighters and civilians through development of ground‑breaking capabilities.

As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be to contribute to a high‑impact portfolio of research, development, and validation projects that improve understanding and mitigation of biological threats using AI‑driven models and in-silico simulation.

As a postdoc, you will:

• Devise and lead an independent research project that applies AI concepts to address current biological challenges facing our sponsors.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams, working in computational and data analytic environments.
• Write technical reports and publications, and publish and present findings across internal teams, sponsors, and the broader scientific community.
• Leverage novel findings to advance mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of disease on public and warfighter health.
• Propose novel ideas and develop internal and external proposals aimed at the hardest biological problems facing the Nation.

Qualifications

You meet qualifications for the job if you meet some or all of the following:

• PhD in Public Health, Biological Sciences, or Engineering in a relevant field.
• Strong technical background that includes direct experience with AI (including machine learning) methods for public health or biological systems and a track record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting sophisticated technical concepts to mixed audiences (scientists, engineers, policy makers).
• The ability to manage multiple simultaneous assignments and changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Methodical, meticulous work practices and superior interpersonal, logical‑reasoning, and organizational skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively in our team environment with scientists and engineers representing different backgrounds, skills, and experience levels.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis methods and experimental design.
• Proficiency with Python, R, or other programming language, and familiarity with high‑performance/parallel computing environments.

Security

You should be able to obtain a final Secret level clearance. If you are 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.

Special Working Conditions

Approximately two weeks of travel per year. Potential work in Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.

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

$85,300 Annually

Maximum Rate

$155,500 Annually