ResponsibilitiesPNNL is seeking a Lead Data Scientist IV with deep learning expertise to develop methods for detecting and classifying targets in electro-optical (EO) imagery or identifying targets and materials in hyperspectral imagery (HSI). This research supports geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and national missions.
In the AI and Data Analytics Division, you will shape research directions, develop algorithms and analytical methods, lead interdisciplinary project teams, and mentor researchers. You will work with engineers to prepare methods for operational use.
Current priorities include automatic target recognition (ATR), long-wave infrared (LWIR) HSI target detection and material classification, and detection and classification with limited labeled training examples, particularly in EO imagery. The role also offers opportunities to explore related problems in remote sensing and intelligence analysis. Candidates with deep learning experience in EO, HSI, or related sensing applications are encouraged to apply.
You will work alongside researchers and domain specialists on difficult national science and technology challenges. Collaboration with software and machine learning (ML) engineers will reflect each project's needs and stage of development. Opportunities to advance existing research and pursue new ideas may come through ongoing projects, internal research investments, or new proposals.
Key Responsibilities- Define research questions and develop or adapt methods to address them. Investigate model behavior and solve difficult technical problems alongside the project team.
- Guide interdisciplinary project teams through complex research, adapting methods and plans as findings emerge or mission needs change.
- Work with mission partners to establish evaluation criteria and assess detection performance, false alarms, robustness, and computational demands under realistic conditions.
- Work with software and ML engineers to prepare methods for operational use, addressing research limitations that affect performance or reliability.
- Share methods and findings with collaborators and mission partners to inform decisions about which research directions to pursue.
- Shape new research ideas and collaborate on proposals that create opportunities for the team to pursue them.
- Mentor researchers through technical discussions, feedback, and opportunities to take on more challenging work. Help recruit colleagues and connect people with complementary expertise across teams and partner organizations.
- Guide project teams in following applicable quality, safety, and security requirements.
This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence. QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7+ years of data science experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 5+ years of data science experience -OR-
- PhD with 3+ years of data science experience
- Deep learning expertise, including developing, adapting, and evaluating algorithms or analytical methods for detection and classification in electro-optical (EO) imagery or target detection and material classification in hyperspectral imagery (HSI).
- Experience developing reproducible research code in Python with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience defining research directions for complex problems and leading interdisciplinary project teams.
- Experience with the EO or HSI imaging chain, including sensor response, image formation, calibration, and data processing. LWIR HSI experience is particularly valued.
- Experience addressing limited labeled training data or new target categories through methods such as few-shot learning, transfer learning, or open-vocabulary models.
- Experience with multimodal or temporal fusion for geospatial analysis, or agentic workflows that coordinate models, geospatial tools, and data sources, including evaluation of workflow reliability and analytic results.
- Experience translating research into methods or tools used in applied settings, including collaboration with software or ML engineering teams, or developing and evaluating models for edge or onboard platforms with size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, balancing accuracy, latency, memory, and energy use.
- Experience supporting national security missions, developing research proposals, or securing funding or other support for research.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot applicable.
Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
"Referral Eligible"
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $166,800.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $275,200.00/Yr.
