Graduate Student Research Assistant- Computational Modeling of Polymer Solution Behavior

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

Join a multidisciplinary team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for a high-impact summer internship focused on the intersection of polymer physics and machine learning. As a PhD-level intern, you will contribute to the computational polymer physics research team by developing theory-informed machine learning (ML) models to predict the complex phase behavior of ternary polymer solutions. The goal of this internship is to accelerate the discovery of novel materials with tailored properties for Department of the Air Force (DAF) applications by mapping phase diagrams and kinetic pathways more efficiently than traditional simulation methods alone.

Key Responsibilities
- Leverage advanced ML techniques, such as theory-informed neural networks or graph neural networks (GNNs), to develop predictive models for ternary phase diagrams.
- Incorporate polymer solution theory and thermodynamics (e.g., Flory-Huggins theory) into ML architectures to ensure physical consistency.
- Actively engage with AFRL scientists, academic collaborators, and industry partners to refine research objectives.
- Document findings and potentially contribute to a manuscript for peer-reviewed publication.

Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a closely related field.
- Strong programming skills in Python and experience with ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
- Proven experience in numerical methods and computational simulations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- This position involves working within a government facility and requires US citizenship

Preferred Skills
- Deep understanding of polymer physics and thermodynamics, specifically polymer solution theory and phase transitions.
- Experience with statistical mechanics and advanced computational techniques.
- Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- A record of research contributions in peer-reviewed journals

Clearance Level

 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$0 - $0

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.