Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Agentic Modeling, Simulation & Wargaming

Va Tech Foundation; United States; Híbrido; USD 62 000 - 76 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Agentic Modeling, Simulation & Wargaming to advance generative agent-based simulations and human-supervised workflows for mission engineering and analytical wargaming.

Under a senior mentor, you will design experiments, code proofs of concept in Python, use AWS environments, and communicate findings to government stakeholders with an emphasis on reproducible methods and open, reviewable results.

Qualificações

• PhD in a relevant field by fellowship start date.
• Ability to build and explain analytical software or prototypes.
• Python proficiency or strong proficiency in another language to learn Python quickly.
• Experience with agent-based modeling or generative agents.
• Ability to design experiments and conduct reproducible analyses.
• Experience using cloud tools like AWS and data handling requirements.
• Strong communication with technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Completed PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering or related field by start date.

Responsabilidades

• Develop research questions, hypotheses, and a work plan with mentor.
• Design, test, debug, and demonstrate prototype models and simulations.
• Translate research into mission threads and evaluation plans with traceability.
• Contribute to analytical wargames and tabletop studies with guidance.
• Maintain version-controlled code, tests, and documentation.
• Present findings and defend conclusions with stakeholders.

Conhecimentos

Research & modeling

Software prototyping

Python

Agent-based modeling

Experimental design

Cloud tools (AWS)

Communication

Formação académica

PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering

Ferramentas

AWS

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About Us

VT ARC a technical services and applied research company has built an organizational culture marked by four primary values Teamwork Integrity Excellence and Service Integral to our success is our staffs enthusiasm for solving tough problems by working together in teams to get the job done We foster a culture where every employees contribution is valued and performed with integrity while maintaining a fun work environment VT ARC strives for excellence in all that is done for our clients and such achievement is recognized through servicemerit awards Moreover we promote a sense of community larger than VT ARC alone where staff and institutional resources can be applied in service to our country We are proud to be the recipient of the Best Workplace in Defense Award by Emergent Magazine an honor that recognizes companies with positive cultures that not only impact their people but also make a meaningful difference in the community.

About You

You are a doctoral trained researcher and systems thinker with expertise in modeling simulation or a related engineering discipline You enjoy turning open ended questions into testable models and working prototypes You bring sound research judgment hands on coding ability and curiosity about how people technologies decisions and operational constraints interact You are a self starter who can propose an approach write and test code investigate unexpected results and communicate what the evidence supports You work independently on agreed research tasks while seeking mentorship and responding constructively to review You want to extend your doctoral expertise into mission engineering and analytical wargaming develop government facing communication skills and explore new ideas with experienced researchers and engineers.

Position Overview

VT ARC is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow Agentic Modeling Simulation & Wargaming for a paid mentored research appointment within DSD This opportunity focuses on generative agent based simulation human supervised agentic analytical workflows and decision support prototyping with applications to mission engineering logistics mobilization industrial capacity and other agreed research topics Working with an assigned senior research mentor the fellow will formulate research questions design experiments and independently code test and demonstrate focused proofs of concept using approved unclassified information The appointment combines original research with development in systems engineering mission analysis and sponsor engagement Prior defense employment an existing clearance and independent wargame leadership are not prerequisites; however familiarity with the National Security space andor a keen interest are critical to for the long term success of the candidate The fellowship includes dedicated research exploration and values reproducible methods and well supported negative findings Outputs may include models prototype software technical papers and presentations subject to release approval Production engineering operational support and responsibility for entire sponsor programs are outside the baseline scope; promising prototypes may transition to additional developers and specialists This position is a contingency hire based on a contract award expected to begin execution on or about November 01st 2026.

Responsibilities

• Work with an assigned senior research mentor to develop research questions hypotheses evaluation criteria and a feasible work plan; propose original investigations and contribute to an individual development plan
• Design code test debug document and demonstrate prototype models simulation components data integrations and analytical applications
• Take a bounded concept through implementation and iterative evaluation
• Develop and evaluate generative agent based simulations and human supervised agentic workflows including agent behavior task decomposition tool use constraints logging and human review
• Design experiments and sensitivity studies; assess effects of prompts model selection stochastic variation data quality and assumptions
• Compare results with baselines or reference cases and document limitations
• Use Python and supporting development tools for data preparation APIs simulation execution and analysis
• Use approved AWS or comparable environments within agreed access controls and compute budgets
• With engineering mentorship translate research into mission threads conceptual models requirements interfaces and evaluation plans; preserve traceability from assumptions and implemented logic to findings
• Contribute scenarios evaluation logic data collection and prototype demonstrations to analytical wargames or tabletop studies with guidance from experienced game designers and mission specialists
• Participate in approved unclassified discussions with government stakeholders; ask clarifying questions demonstrate technical work and brief findings and limitations with increasing independence
• Maintain version controlled code tests experiment records and technical documentation
• Prepare research briefs presentations and manuscripts or publication quality material where release is authorized
• Manage agreed tasks and milestones report progress identify risks early and collaborate in technical reviews
• Use approved coding assistants responsibly and independently verify generated code when such tools are used

Required Education, Certification, Skills & Capabilities

• Demonstrated research and modeling capability through doctoral work publications research engagements or substantial technical projects No minimum years of post PhD employment are required
• Ability to build test debug and explain functioning analytical software or research prototypes
• Working Python proficiency or strong proficiency in another relevant language with demonstrated ability to become productive in Python quickly
• Experience with agent based modeling system dynamics generative agents or related computational modeling; working understanding of agentic AI and ability to investigate and verify model behavior
• Ability to design experiments evaluate evidence conduct sensitivity analysis and maintain reproducible code and research records; practical familiarity with APIs version control debugging and testing
• Experience using cloud tools such as AWS or demonstrated ability to learn approved environments quickly while following data handling access and resource use requirements
• Ability to structure open ended problems learn new mission domains communicate clearly with technical and nontechnical audiences and independently execute agreed work while responding constructively to review
• Completed PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering another engineering discipline Operations Research Computer Science Applied Mathematics or a related technical field by the fellowship start date Doctoral research and relevant project work count as experience

Additional Experience

• Experience with large language model agents multi agent simulations prompt or model sensitivity uncertainty analysis and evaluations of AI generated behaviors or outputs
• Experience using AI coding assistants or agentic development tools for prototyping testing debugging and documentation with independent verification and appropriate protection of code and data
• Experience with cloud hosted prototypes automated data pipelines databases APIs interactive applications or simulationgame software
• Familiarity with systems or mission engineering requirements model based systems engineering analytical wargaming or national security applications Prior employment in these areas is not required
• Experience communicating research to external partners preparing publications or proposals collaborating across disciplines or demonstrating working capabilities

Postdoctoral Research & Professional Development

The fellow and an assigned senior research mentor will establish a written research and individual development plan with milestones and regular technical and career development reviews The plan includes research exploration systemsmission engineering and wargaming development and authorized publications presentations and government engagement Approved research and professional development activities are part of the paid work plan This fixed term appointment may be extended subject to funding performance and HR approval It can build qualifications for future VT ARC research or systemsmission engineering positions Any subsequent role requires an available opening funding demonstrated qualifications applicable access requirements and the appropriate hiring process; conversion or a particular level is not guaranteed.

Primary Work Location

Arlington VA National Capital Region; US based remote work may be considered and approved for this position However location and onsite attendance will be agreed before appointment subject to HR security and program requirements.

Special Work Conditions

Limited preapproved travel may be needed for research collaboration demonstrations workshops or professional development Scope schedule and authorized work hours will be agreed in advance Approved research tools and compute resources will be provided or funded by VT ARC.

Security

An active security clearance is not required at the time of hire Fellowship work will be limited to approved unclassified information and authorized systems All work remains subject to applicable data handling privacy export control and program access requirements However the selected candidate must meet employment authorization and applicable background screening requirements Clearance sponsorship will be pursued subject to authorized sponsorship and government adjudication; clearance or a specific processing timeline is not guaranteed.

Compensation

Competitive Salary Proposed compensation is 45 55 hourly Work time will be recorded and compensated under applicable requirements and availability of hours is subject to the availability of direct work Weekly hours appointment duration benefits eligibility and overtime treatment will be specified in the offer.

Benefits, Perks, Culture & More

Visit our Careers page httpsvt arcorgcareers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation is an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability veteran status or any other status protected by law As a federal contractor we are committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process please contact Human Resources at hrvt arcorg.

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