ARLIS Artificial Intelligence Research Professional
Job Description Summary
Organization'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...