2026 PhD Graduate - Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Johns Hopkins APL · Laurel, MD · Robotics

junior machine learning Research Scientist ic · Posted May 13, 2026

About this role

Johns Hopkins APL is hiring a junior-level Research Scientist in the machine learning function based in Laurel, MD. The posting calls out experience with Python, Data Structures, Machine Learning, A/B Testing.

Role
Research Scientist
Function
machine learning
Level
junior
Track
Individual contributor
Location
Laurel, MD
Department
Robotics
Posted
May 13, 2026

More roles at Johns Hopkins APL

Systems Analyst
Laurel, MD · mid
Python pandas NumPy
Senior Applied Chemist
Laurel, MD · senior
Security Officer
Laurel, MD · mid
Security
UAV Robotics Engineer
Laurel, MD · mid
System Design
Cybersecurity Compliance Auditor / Security Control Assessor (SCA)
Laurel, MD · mid
TypeScript ServiceNow Security All Johns Hopkins APL jobs →

Job description

from Johns Hopkins APL careers
Description

Are you searching for impactful, hands-on work at the forefront of robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled decision making?

 

Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art autonomy through applied research and experimentation?

 

Are you excited to work on mission-driven problems that require both technical depth and system-level thinking?

 

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics and Autonomous Systems to join the Tailored Autonomous Systems Group (QPJ). This role is intended for recent PhD graduates who want to apply advanced research to real-world robotic systems operating in complex, mission-driven environments providing asymmetric capabilities for our nation.

 

Our team develops robotic capabilities and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) autonomous systems to address the nation’s immediate needs, bringing together experts spanning platform design, embedded autonomy, perception, and mission-level behaviors, with a strong emphasis on hands-on system development, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation.

 

This position is ideal for candidates who want to bridge cutting-edge research and operational deployment, working on systems that extend human capabilities and operate in high-risk or denied environments.

As a member of our team, you will…

  • Lead and contribute to applied research in robotics and autonomy, transitioning novel ideas into prototypes and deployable systems
  • Design, build, and integrate robotic platforms, including sensing, compute, control, and communications
    • This is an excerpt. Read the full job description on Johns Hopkins APL careers →
All machine learning jobs machine learning in Laurel, MD Jobs in Laurel, MD machine learning salaries machine learning career path
All Johns Hopkins APL Jobs Browse machine learning roles junior positions