Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Position: The Research Scientist will lead and conduct sponsored research in Digital Engineering (DE), Digital Twins, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and complex system modeling. The position develops and integrates multi-fidelity models, advances AI-enabled digital engineering methodologies, supports proposal development, publishes research findings, collaborates with faculty and external sponsors, and mentors graduate students engaged in funded research projects.
Responsibilities: - Conduct research in Digital Engineering, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, and complex systems modeling; develop innovative methodologies, algorithms, and frameworks;
- Develop, integrate, validate, and analyze multi-fidelity models and digital twin environments for complex systems and systems of systems applications;
- Develop research proposals, technical reports, journal manuscripts, conference papers, and project deliverables for sponsors and stakeholders;
- Collaborate with faculty, industry, and government partners on sponsored research projects and technology transition activities;
- Mentor graduate students and research staff; support research planning, technical reviews, and laboratory development activities; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications: - Master's degree in related field;
- Experience conducting research in Digital Engineering, Digital Twins, AI, modeling and simulation, or systems engineering;
- Demonstrated record of technical publications and research accomplishments;
- Experience developing computational models and simulations for complex systems;
- Knowledge of Digital Engineering principles, frameworks, standards, and tools;
- Knowledge of systems engineering and lifecycle management of complex systems;
- Knowledge of Digital Twin architectures, simulation, and model integration approaches;
- Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques applicable to engineering systems;
- Skill in developing computational models, simulations, and analytical tools;
- Skill in technical writing, proposal development, and scholarly publication;
- Skill in programming and software development using languages such as Python, MATLAB, Java, or similar;
- Ability to conduct independent and collaborative research;
- Ability to integrate heterogeneous and multi-fidelity models into unified digital and cloud based environments;
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences;
- Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously; and
- US Citizenship is required due to sponsor funding restriction.
Preferred Qualifications: - Terminal degree in a related field;
- 1-2 years of postdoctoral, academic, government, or industry research experience;
- Experience securing and managing sponsored research funding;
- Experience with MBSE, SysML, Digital Thread, and Digital Twin technologies;
- Experience integrating AI methods into operational digital engineering ecosystems;
- Experience with cloud-based digital engineering environments and high-performance computing;
- Experience mentoring graduate students and research personnel;
- Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies;
- Knowledge of SysML, UML, Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or similar modeling platforms;
- Knowledge of CAD and PLM tools such as Creo, Windchil etc.;
- Knowledge of AI-enabled decision support, autonomous systems, explainable AI, and generative AI applications in engineering; and
- Ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams and large-scale sponsored projects.
Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for
Research Scientist, Digital Engineering and Artificial Intelligence at https://jobs.gmu.edu/ . Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information; and upload a cover letter, CV, and research statement for review.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Open Date: November 6, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 10, 2027
Open Until Filled: Yes
