Research Scientist – Applied Mathematics & Reasoning for Decision Advantage

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a Research Scientist to develop mathematical, algorithmic, and computational approaches for information fusion, reasoning under uncertainty, and decision-support applications. You will work across applied mathematics, software development, and AI to translate research into working capabilities.

Minimum qualifications include a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience, with

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctoral degree in applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, OR related field.
• At least three years of relevant technical work experience.
• Strong programming background with Python/C++, plus MATLAB/Linux familiarity.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret / TS/SCI clearance and work in secure environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop mathematical and computational approaches for information fusion and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Integrate data from heterogeneous sources, including uncertain or conflicting information.
• Explore ontologies, knowledge graphs, probabilistic models, AI, and symbolic/learned reasoning.
• Design and maintain research software, models, simulations, and prototypes for ISR&T decision-support.
• Develop signal processing, multi-sensor fusion, and mathematical-physical modeling techniques.
• Compare mathematical, symbolic, probabilistic, and ML approaches.
• Collaborate with engineers to translate problems into research questions and architectures.
• Plan, execute, and analyze evaluations, field tests, and experiments.
• Communicate results via documentation, sponsor briefings, proposals, publications, and conferences.

Skills

Python

C++

Machine learning

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree in a relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

Linux

Java

Job description

Description
Are you interested in developing mathematical and computational approaches for combining information, reasoning under uncertainty, and supporting complex decisions?

Description
Are you interested in developing mathematical and computational approaches for combining information, reasoning under uncertainty, and supporting complex decisions?
Do you enjoy working across applied mathematics, software development, artificial intelligence, and emerging areas of scientific research?
Are you motivated by challenging technical problems that require learning new concepts, developing original approaches, and translating research into working capabilities?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

As a Research Scientist on our team, you will…

• Develop mathematical, algorithmic, and computational approaches to information fusion, knowledge representation, reasoning, and decision-making under uncertainty.
• Integrate data, sensor observations, estimates, and existing knowledge from heterogeneous sources, including incomplete, uncertain, or conflicting information.
• Explore formal semantics, ontologies, knowledge graphs, probabilistic models, artificial intelligence, and symbolic and learned reasoning methods.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain research software, computational models, simulations, tools, and prototypes for ISR&T and other decision-support applications.
• Develop and evaluate signal and image processing, multi-sensor fusion, sensor resource optimization, and mathematical-physical modeling techniques.
• Investigate strengths, limitations, and complementarities of mathematical, symbolic, probabilistic, and machine-learned approaches.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and domain experts to translate operational problems into research questions, requirements, experiments, concepts, and system architectures.
• Plan, execute, and analyze technical evaluations, field tests, and experiments; adapt methods as project needs evolve.
• Collaborate across disciplines and communicate results through technical documentation, sponsor briefings, proposals, publications, workshops, and conferences.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a Master’s degree or Doctoral degree in applied mathematics, mathematics, computer science, statistics, operations research, engineering, physics, philosophy, or a closely related field.
• Have at least three years of relevant technical work experience.
• Have experience formulating and investigating novel mathematical, algorithmic, or computational research problems.
• Have a strong foundation in probability, mathematical logic, statistical inference, optimization, formal methods, knowledge representation, information theory, or related disciplines.
• Have strong programming skills in Python, C++, or another general-purpose language, with experience developing substantial scientific or engineering software; familiarity with MATLAB, Java, or Linux environments is valuable.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent problem-solving, the ability to learn unfamiliar subjects, and flexibility to support multiple concurrent projects.
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally and collaborate with researchers, engineers, domain experts, and other technical professionals.
• Are willing and able to work in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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…

• Possess a Doctoral degree with a record of original research in applied mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, decision science, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Have a record of peer-reviewed publications, independent research contributions, or successful multidisciplinary research efforts.
• Have demonstrated the ability to carry research from initial mathematical formulation through software implementation, experimentation, and evaluation.
• Have experience with multi-source information fusion, probabilistic inference, uncertainty quantification, ontologies, knowledge graphs, or formal reasoning systems.
• Have experience with modern AI methods, including machine learning, foundation models, or approaches combining learned and symbolic reasoning.
• Have experience designing software architectures, developing reusable libraries or services, integrating computational methods into larger systems, or contributing to collaborative software projects.
• Have experience with modular software design, testing, debugging, documentation, and version control.
• Have experience applying systems engineering principles to research, including requirements development, system modeling, and technical evaluation.
• Have knowledge of military and intelligence-community ISR processes, sensors, platforms, targeting and C2, mission planning, kill-chain concepts, threat systems, weapon systems, or communications networks.
• Hold an active Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI-level security clearance.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

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

$290,000 Annually