Defense Data Scientist (PhD) — Statistics & Modeling

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a PhD-level data scientist to join our defense analytics team in Laurel, MD. You will develop statistical models and support data-driven decisions for national security applications.

The role requires collaboration with engineers, statisticians, and government partners to quantify uncertainty, forecast outcomes, and communicate findings through papers and briefings.

Qualifications

• PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and on a team.
• Foundations in statistical inference, probability, modeling, and experimental design.
• Experience with Python, R, or similar languages for quantitative analysis.
• Experience adapting statistical methods to sparse/noisy/high‑dimensional data.
• Experience with Bayesian methods, regression, causal inference, or hypothesis testing.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance with potential to obtain Top Secret; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to support data collection, processing, and analysis for Navy and Air Force systems.
• Develop and evaluate statistical models for defense applications, including uncertainty quantification, inference, forecasting, and decision support.
• Apply statistical reasoning for data-driven studies, selecting methods based on the problem (Bayesian or frequentist).
• Quantify and communicate uncertainty, assumptions, and limitations to support sound decision‑making in real‑world settings.
• Communicate technical knowledge through papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers.

Skills

PhD in Data Science/Statistics/Physics

Interpersonal skills

Statistical inference

Python/R

Modern statistical methods

Bayesian methods

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Data Science/Statistics/Physics/Mathematics/CS

Tools

Stan/PyMC

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a PhD-level data scientist to join our defense analytics team in Laurel, MD. You will develop statistical models and support data-driven decisions for national security applications.

The role requires collaboration with engineers, statisticians, and government partners to quantify uncertainty, forecast outcomes, and communicate findings through papers and briefings.