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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 3 months ago

2026 PhD Graduate - Cyber Researcher - Capabilities Development

Laurel, MD

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$102K/yr - $228K/yr

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies in defense and security. They are seeking a PhD Graduate - Cyber Researcher to explore cutting-edge techniques for developing cyber capabilities and to solve critical cybersecurity challenges in operational environments.

EducationUniversities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Explore cutting-edge techniques for developing cyber capabilities

Develop novel approaches to solving critical cybersecurity challenges in operational environments

Work with sponsors and end users in defense or intelligence organizations to understand their operational needs and identify requirements

Build mission-aligned capabilities

Explore promising new research areas and seek ways to apply ideas to today’s problems

Integrate and extend open source or commercial capabilities to enhance cyber capability

Share approaches and methods with others team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualification

In relevant fieldSoftware development experienceSystems engineering knowledgeWeb application frameworksAI/ML knowledgeDevSecOps experienceNetwork security experienceAnalytical skillsInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsTeamwork

Required

Have a PhD degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics or cybersecurity-related field

Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing software using Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, Rust, Golang, or equivalent

Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning

Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in teams

Are able to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subjected to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information up to the Top Secret level. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

Preferred

Have experience using web application frameworks and related knowledge base such as React, Vue.js, HTML5, CSS3, JSON/XML, jQuery, D3, SVG, RESTful web services, or (No)SQL

Can apply software development skills to different domains and subject matters

Have knowledge of AI/ML, Agentic AI, and/or AI-enabled cyber methodologies

Have experience in DevSecOps, and/or network security and systems integration

Have experience with Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community cyber operations/mission forces

Have experience in conducting research, development, and testing of cyber capabilities

Have experience in the development of related documents that define processes, solutions, requirements, and specifications for government agencies (military, federal departments/agencies, state, and local) and public organizations to collaborate and achieve greater cybersecurity

Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance

Benefits

Generous benefits

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

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

Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.

Founded in 1942