Artificial Intelligence Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Job Description SummaryOrganization's Summary Statement:
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and technology transition to improve decision making for U.S. national security. ARLIS combines deep scientific expertise with operational insight to address challenges in intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence / machine learning, quantum science, and human-machine teaming. Researchers, scientists, engineers, and analysts at ARLIS collaborate with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to deliver actionable insights and transformative solutions through research and development. Employees at ARLIS work on projects of critical importance, contribute directly to the nation's security, and are supported by a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth.
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking qualified candidates with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science to join our multidisciplinary team of research professionals. This is an evergreen requisition we invite applicants at all experience levels whose research interests, skills, and backgrounds align with ARLIS's mission to support national security through trusted AI and human-machine teaming.
Successful candidates will contribute to a portfolio of government-sponsored projects addressing emerging challenges in areas such as autonomy, decision support, cyber operations, AI ethics and governance, computer vision, and natural language processing. Positions may include a focus on research development, prototyping, experimentation, systems integration, or field deployment. Final appointment title and responsibilities will be based on qualifications and matched to programmatic needs.
Roles and Responsibilities will vary by project and candidate expertise and may include:
Conducting applied research in AI/ML, data analytics, and computational modeling
Designing, developing, and evaluating algorithms, models, and prototypes
Applying ML to structured and unstructured data sources, including multimodal or real-time streams
Supporting research on AI assurance, interpretability, adversarial robustness, or policy implications
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including behavioral scientists, domain experts, and systems engineers
Preparing technical deliverables and briefings for government stakeholders
Contributing to the preparation of research proposals and technical work plans
Research Specialist Qualifications:
Entry Level:
Bachelor's degree. Preference is given to degrees in Psychology, Linguistics, Foreign Language, Business, Social Sciences, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field
~2 years of demonstrated experience in organizing and managing projects through volunteer, extracurricular, or work activities
Demonstrated potential for excellence in the execution, administration, and/or management of research or academic programs
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary opportunity team in a matrixed organization with a collaborative and team-centric culture
Strong oral and written communication skills
Excellent analytical and deep dive skills
Mid-Level:
Master's Degree. Preference is given to degrees in Psychology, Linguistics, Foreign Language, Business, Data Science, or Computer Science and 3+ years of experience in a technical role or project management position for defense or intelligence R&D programs with experience in technology assessment, systems design, system analysis, executing on multiple technical programs with scheduled deliverables, and communicating and interfacing with government customers; or Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of relevant experience in a role of equivalent responsibility
Superior ability to administer research or academic programs
Knowledge of DoD appropriations and requirements processes
Ability to engage key client stakeholders to effectively support tasks
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary opportunity capture team in a matrixed organization with a collaborative and team-centric culture
Excellent analytical and deep dive skills
Senior Faculty Specialist Track:
Master's Degree. Preference is given to degrees in Psychology, Linguistics, Foreign Language, Business, Data Science, or Computer Science and 3+ years of experience in a technical role or project management position for defense or intelligence R&D programs with experience in technology assessment, systems design, system analysis, executing on multiple technical programs with scheduled deliverables, and communicating and interfacing with government customers; or Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of relevant experience as a Faculty Specialist, or roles of equivalent responsibility
Superior ability to administer research or academic programs
Knowledge of DoD appropriations and requirements processes
Ability to engage key client stakeholders to effectively support tasks
Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary opportunity capture team in a matrixed organization with a collaborative and team-centric culture
Excellent analytical and deep dive skills
Research Scientist Qualifications:
Assistant level Research Scientist:
Ph.D. in a relevant field
Evidence of sound scholarly Production
Perform R&D at a level comparable to Assistant Professor
Expected to begin to apply as a PI for single-investigator proposals and to be co-PIs on larger proposals
Demonstrate all the relevant skills required for carrying out research in a laboratory setting and have been externally recognized through awards, invited conference talks, etc.
Citizenship within ARLIS and UMD may include serving on ARLIS and university committees, presenting at internal forums, and mentoring/advising
Professional service may include reviewing journal publications, white papers, statements of work, and proposals; and helping to organize conferences, workshops, and visits by external stakeholders
Associate level Research Scientist:
PhD in a relevant field plus 5 years of research experience at the Assistant Research Scientist level
Significant scientific research accomplishments, show promise of continued productivity, and have the ability to propose, develop, and manage research projects
Perform research at a level comparable to Associate Professor.
Expected to identify funding opportunities and serve as PIs or co-PIs on large proposals.
Develop a reputation for preeminence in their particular specialization and to receive commensurate independent or external recognitions (awards, invited to provide keynote addresses, etc.).
Ability to grow the departmental/unit service and drive PTK mentoring and participate in Professional Track promotion sub-committees.
Professional service contributions are significant and, when possible, include regular service on review panels for funding agencies
Interact regularly with sponsor/customers
Full Research Scientist:
PhD in a relevant field plus 10 years of experience leading and performing research
Pursue funding opportunities and serve as Principal Investigator or have primary responsibility for a significant part of a multi-investigator project
Lead engagements with sponsor/customers
Serve in a leadership role at ARLIS and drive key initiatives and business development opportunities to grow the program
Expand relationships with relevant departments and centers on campus
Hold leadership positions within ARLIS, on campus (e.g., committee membership for the Faculty Senate), or on professional committees
National or international recognition as a subject matter expert
Have earned and received national, international, and prestigious recognitions for research accomplishments
Mentor students and less experienced researchers
Research Engineer Qualifications:
Associate Research Engineer:
PhD plus 5 years of research experience, or at least Mater of Science plus 10 years of engineering research experience including success capturing and leading large projects, or a Bachelor of Science plus 15 years of relevant experience and a record of significant engineering achievement and show promise of continued productivity
Initiate new projects with long-term research goals, tackling more complex problems than an Assistant Research Engineer, leading work on multiple, concurrent projects, and managing cross-functional engineering teams
Serve as Principal Investigator or having primary responsibility for a significant part of a project
Interact with sponsor/customers
Expected to identify funding opportunities and serve as Principal Investigator on large proposals
Generate significant intellectual property that may be licensed by third parties
Mentor junior staff and Professional Track Faculty Specialists and participating in their promotion sub-committees
Recognized as an authoritative subject matter expert and receive commensurate recognition
Full Research Engineer:
Ph-D with at least 10 years of PhD-level research experience, or at least 20 years of engineering research experience including success capturing and leading large projects
Established reputation for outstanding engineering practice, design, and development and viewed nationally as an authoritative subject matter expert
Pursue funding opportunities and serve as Principal Investigator or have primary responsibility for a significant part of a multi-investigator project
Lead the design and implementation of large projects with many components (subcontractors, teams, etc.).
Lead engagements with sponsor/customers
Mentor students and less experienced researchers
Build new research programs and mission areas
Hold leadership positions within ARLIS, on campus or professional committees
Proven ability to tackle problems of considerable scope and complexity with currently non-existent solutions requiring unconventional, novel approaches and sophisticated research techniques.
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.
Licenses/ Certifications: NAMinimum Qualifications

The appointee shall hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area and show potential for excellence in the administration and/or management of academic or research programs. Faculty Specialists are expected to engage in activities such as developing curriculum and/or innovative means for delivering curriculum, supervising the non-research activities of graduate or post-doctoral students, serving as grant writers or authors of other publications for an academic or research program, conducting specialized research duties or other such duties that would generate intellectual property to which the faculty member shall retain the rights.

Additional Job DetailsDepartmentVPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & SecurityWorker Sub-Type Faculty RegularSalary Range$58,656 - $240,082Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources

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