2026 PhD Graduate - Neural and Cognitive Engineering Researcher

Are you passionate about designing systems or algorithms using what we know about the mind and brain?

Do you want to help invent the future of how people interact with intelligent systems?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related subject area, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking a researcher to contribute to and lead pioneering work in connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or neurobehavioral research. We are a large multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists engaged in groundbreaking research in applied neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotics, and complex systems. We are looking for a motivated and collaborative teammate to support research and development of intelligent systems as a strategic advantage for the nation.

As a Neural and Cognitive Engineering Researcher...

• Your primary role will be developing algorithms and/or systems in domains spanning connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or neurobehavioral research.
• You will make an impact as an emerging leader on a multi-disciplinary research team, collaboratively leading and conducting pioneering research with government and commercial partners.
• You will collaborate with engineers and scientists to design and perform human subjects research, machine learning, software development, and/or biomedical signal processing.
• You will communicate key findings both internally across teams and externally to sponsors, including in proposal development.

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

• Have a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• Have classroom or professional experience developing software and/or data analysis scripts
• Have classroom or professional experience conducting research on connectomics, neural interfaces, neurally-inspired artificial intelligence, and/or neurobehavioral research
• Are able to obtain a final Secret level security 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...

• Have classroom or professional experience developing and/or implementing machine learning algorithms applied to biomedical data, including but not limited to neurophysiological data
• Have experience working on a fast-paced government-funded effort (e.g., DARPA project).
• Have a Secret level security clearance or above.

Why Work at APL?

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.

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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.