Description
Functional Title: Lab Technician for Modeling & Simulation of Social Complexity in National Security Topics
Schedule: up to 20 hours/week
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The University of Maryland National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responding to Terrorism (UMD START) is seeking one or two hourly employee to work with Dr. Timothy Clancy on the ICONS Project, START’s in-house simulation and wargaming team, to support research related to the intersection of computer modeling & simulation, AI, and social complexity as it relates to national security topics, including wargaming, terrorism, radicalization, and public mass killing.
We are seeking individuals who have an interest in developing their systems thinking and system dynamics research skills in a research lab within a national security context.
These positions will be part-time with flexible, asynchronous work schedules and no location requirement other than the ability to attend remotely required meetings that will be held during normal business hours in the U.S. Eastern Time zone.
These position will be suited for (but not limited to) undergraduates or graduate students currently enrolled or having completed systems thinking- and system dynamics-related work. We recognize that college and grad school programs in these fields are limited; therefore, practical experience will be considered as well. These are not intern or fellowship positions.
Minimum Requirements:
- Familiarity and experience with the standard method of systems thinking causal loop diagrams (CLDs), including generating behavior over time, reference modes, creating CLDs, and analysis.
- Familiarity and experience with creating simple system dynamics simulation models using one or more of the following: Vensim, Stella, or PowerSim — and a willingness to learn others as required.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Preferences:
- Familiarity with open source coding projects (GitHub) including any of the following coding/projects Python, C Transpiler, Wasm, and/or the SDEverywhere project.
- Familiarity with data science in a research context including statistical programs and management of datasets.
- Familiarity with using prompt-based generative AI (e.g., LLM, image generation), and other forms of AI (e.g. classification, neural networks, deep learning) in a research context.
- Familiarity with creating UI/UX interfaces for system dynamics simulation models in Vensim or Stella Architect and/or willingness to learn.
- Prior experience in a national security or foreign affairs context, including military, USAID, overseas deployment, political science, international relations, etc.
Physical Demands: Work is performed remotely requiring the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
To apply, applicants must submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and sample of work to Dr. Timothy Clancy, Assistant Research Scientist, at timc@umd.edu.
Contact: Timothy Clancy, Assistant Research Scientist, timc@umd.edu
Required documents: Resume/CV, cover letter, sample of work
Salary: $25 to $30 per hour depending on experience