AFRL Sociocognitive Modeling - Graduate Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Fairborn (OH); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Relocation Allowance

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) offers a part-time graduate student internship. The focus is on characterizing information operations and influence, using agent-based models and sociocognitive approaches.

You will work under a mentor to develop theories and models of information spread and resilience. The role includes analyzing large datasets, implementing complex computational models, and producing

Qualifications

• PhD candidate in psychology, sociology, computer science, or related fields.
• Experience with experimental design using human subjects and statistical analysis.
• Strong academic and technical writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large time-varying and unstructured datasets.
• Implement complex computational models (e.g., complex systems, cognitive modeling).
• Design recommendations and best practices to improve resilience to information effects.

Skills

Familiarity with information ops/warfa

Experimental design experience

Academic writing

Programming skills in Python, R, Julia

Statistical analysis

Education

Doctoral degree candidate in psychology/sociology/computer science

Tools

Python

R

Julia

Rust

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

AFRL-711HPW-2026-0012

Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering a part-time graduate student internship opportunity focused on the characterization and analysis of information operations and influence.

As An Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE) Participant, You Will Join a Community Of Scientists And Researchers In An Effort To Apply Rigorous Computational Frameworks And Theory-driven Principles To The Understanding Of The Influence And Propagation Of Information. Specifically, This Research Project Will Focus On Characterizing How Information Spread Leads To Psychological Activation And Increasing Resilience To Information Influence Using Insights From Theory And Simulation. Throughout The Internship, You Will Engage With AFRL Researchers To Devise Theories And Models Of The Information Environment Using Established Social Science Principles, Leading To (but Not Limited To):

• Agent-based models of information exchange
• Sociocognitive models of memory and emotion
• Complex statistical models of behavior trendsRecommendations for relevant doctrine based on systematic investigations of information and influence

  Under The Guidance Of a Mentor, You Will Gain Hands-on Experience To Complement Your Education And Support Your Academic And Professional Goals. Along The Way, You Will Engage In Activities And Research In Several Areas. These Include, But Are Not Limited To:

  • Analyzing large, time-varying, and unstructured datasets
  • Implementing complex computational models (e.g., complex systems models, cognitive modeling)
  • Designing recommendations and best practices for improving resilience to information effects

  Where will I be located?

  Fairborn, OH. The appointment may be onsite or remote as approved.

  What is the anticipated start date?

  Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

  What is the appointment length?

  This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

  What are the provisions?

  You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

  • Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Training and Travel Allowance

  About AFRL 711HPW

  The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.

  About ORISE

  This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

  Qualifications

  The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, computer science, or related scientific background areas.

  Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with current topics in information operations, information warfare, and cognitive warfare as they relate to the USAF
  • Experience with experimental design using human subjects, statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.
  • Programming skills in a relevant language (e.g., Python, R, Julia, Rust).
  • Academic and technical writing.

  Application Requirements

  • Zintellect Profile
  • Educational and Employment History
  • Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
  • Resume (PDF)
  • Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

  Stipend

  $1,750.00 – $2,500.00 Monthly

  Point of Contact

  Leslie

  Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (Artificial Intelligence (including Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Language Processing, and Machine Learning))
    • Computer Architecture and Grids
    • Computer Science - Languages and Systems
    • Computer Science - Theoretical Foundations
    • Computer Science (general)
    • Computer Systems Analysis
    • Computer Systems Design (including Signal Processing)
    • Data Science
    • Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
    • Graphics and Visualization
    • Human Computer Interaction
    • Information Science and Technology
    • Information Security and Assurance
    • Networks and Communications
    • Operating Systems and Middleware
    • Scientific Computing and Informatics
    • Software Engineering
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )