Post-Graduate Research Scientists in Threat Detection Technology

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering post-Master's and post-Doctoral fellowships for their Visiting Scientist Program cohort at the Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL).

What will I be doing?

You will join a cohort of post-graduates in a new endeavor in threat detection technology and applied research, specifically related to synthetic data generation, testing and evaluation. The need to develop synthetic methods to test new Deep Learning algorithms is paramount and the proposed research is new and cutting edge.

The project involves a team of TSL staff and researchers focused on a two-fold approach involving x-ray and millimeter wave regimes. The first component involves creating synthetic signatures of prohibited materials from laboratory computed tomography (CT) data, and inserting these into acquired CT images of passenger baggage. Also, ensuring that the signature and the combined CT image subsequently generated is a high fidelity match to an actual bag and included threat. The second component will use millimeter wave data of actual threats to create synthetic images of personnel with threats for analysis.

Why should I apply?

As a TSL Post-Graduate Research Scientist, you will be given the opportunity to utilize your skills and engage in innovative ideas to move the project forward. Within the proposed project, there are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.These include, but are not limited to,

• Deep learning algorithm testing
• Synthetic signature and/or image generation
• Data manipulation and quality assurance
• Threat analysis testing and evaluation

You will join a team of more than 100 employees that include physicists, chemists, engineers and mathematicians who are leaders in explosives detection and mitigation. These talented technical experts have more than 1,000 years of experience collectively. Being apart of this team also means having access to a unique 12-acre secure campus specialized for explosive storage and handling areas and a multi-laboratory infrastructure designed for applied research, test and evaluation.

Where will I be located?  Atlantic City, NJ

What is the anticipated start date? 

TSL is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What are the benefits?

As a participant with TSL, you will receive:

• Stipend starting at $80,000 based on your academic level and experience
• Health Insurance Allowance
• Relocation Allowance up to $2,000, if you are located more than 50 miles one way from the hosting facility.

Appointments are for a year with the option to extend the appointment for additional years. Extensions are contingent upon project needs and funding availability. The maximum time a participant can remain in the ORISE program is five years from his/her initial start date.