Graduate Internship

About the Role

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering a part-time graduate student internship opportunity focused on the characterization and analysis of information operations and influence. As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to apply rigorous computational frameworks and theory-driven principles to the understanding of the influence and propagation of information. This research project will focus on characterizing how information spread leads to psychological activation and increasing resilience to information influence using insights from theory and simulation.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise theories and models of the information environment using established social science principles.
• Develop agent-based models of information exchange.
• Develop sociocognitive models of memory and emotion.
• Develop complex statistical models of behavior trends.
• Provide recommendations for relevant doctrine based on systematic investigations of information and influence.
• Analyze large, time-varying, and unstructured datasets.
• Implement complex computational models (e.g., complex systems models, cognitive modeling).
• Design recommendations and best practices for improving resilience to information effects.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, computer science, or related scientific background areas.
• Familiarity with current topics in information operations, information warfare, and cognitive warfare as they relate to the USAF.
• Experience with experimental design using human subjects.
• Experience with statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Programming skills in a relevant language (e.g., Python, R, Julia, Rust).
• Academic and technical writing skills.
• U.S. Citizen Only

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a doctoral degree.
• Degree Disciplines:
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Application Requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records for current or most recent degree program.
• One Recommendation.

Provisions

• Stipend: $1,750.00 – $2,500.00 Monthly
• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Location: Fairborn, OH. The appointment may be onsite or remote as approved.

Appointment Length: Twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed.