Charles River Analytics is seeking a senior scientist well-versed in search and optimization techniques to conduct innovative research to address real-world challenges. In this position, this candidate will solve planning and optimization problems such as helping operators choose which is the best plan to execute from among alternative options, enabling teams of unmanned aerial vehicles to collaborate, and improving missile defense systems by efficiently tasking sensors in real-time.

The ideal candidate will have a range of research skills in search and optimization that can be applied to hard computational problems. Examples include graph and tree search algorithms (e.g., A*); discrete, combinatorial, and continuous optimization (e.g., vehicle routing problem); mathematical programming (e.g., linear programming), metaheuristics (e.g., simulated annealing, evolutionary algorithms), handling multiple objectives and constraints, multi-agent negotiation, and planning systems.

At Charles River, scientists are key members of small, project-oriented teams of both scientists and software engineers that create software prototypes of new research concepts. Scientists help understand the problem, research approaches, design solutions, and evaluate the results. They connect with other researchers, publish papers, attend conferences, and communicate results through verbal and written means. They also help develop new artificial intelligence concepts and prototypes for domains such as military command and control systems, cyber security, unmanned vehicles, modeling and simulation, missile defense, intelligence analysis, human behavior modeling, and training. At, Charles River Analytics, we foster an environment where scientists are free to pursue their own research interests and are supported by a community of bright, enthusiastic individuals to help them thrive. 

Major Responsibilities / Activities

• Apply the state-of-the-art in current basic and applied research in relevant search and optimization disciplines
• Identify and analyze domain challenges and user needs
• Research, analyze, and design algorithms for decision-support systems and automation
• Support engineering teams to develop technology solutions
• Conduct technical discussions with customers
• Write and contribute to proposals, research scientific papers, and present work at briefings and conferences

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• A Master’s (with at least 2 years of relevant experience) or PhD degree in computer science, mathematics, operations research, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to design, prototype, and evaluate algorithms
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

• Strong verbal and written skills to support proposal writing, interaction with customers, and presentations at technical conferences

• Familiarity with modern software languages and practices

Candidates with the following skills will be favorably considered:

• Experience working with US military and intelligence research organizations, including DARPA, ONR, AFRL, Army RDECOM, and IARPA and/or with other defense-related R&D companies
• Experience with programming languages or technical computing software such as Java, Scala, Python, MATLAB, Solvers 
• Experience with decision theory, multi-objective optimization, machine learning 
• Experience with distributed/concurrent algorithms 
• Experience with market/auction-based approaches, game theory, multi-agent coordination
• A record of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with agile software development methodologies like Scrum

Benefits

 Charles River Analytics offers competitive compensation plus bonus and profit-sharing, with an attractive benefits package including: up to 92% employer-paid medical and 100% employer-paid dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid maternity/paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, monthly gym allowance, free parking, generous paid time off, and a casual environment. We are also accessible by public transportation.