AFRL Sociocognitive Modeling - Graduate Internship

Reference code: AFRL-711HPW-2026-0012 | Point of contact: Leslie

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. Specifically, 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. Throughout the internship, you will engage with AFRL researchers to devise theories and models of the information environment using established social science principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop agent-based models of information exchange
• Create sociocognitive models of memory and emotion
• Build complex statistical models of behavior trends
• Formulate 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

Location & Schedule

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

Start date: Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointment length: Twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Compensation & Benefits

Monthly stipend: $1,750.00 – $2,500.00 (determined by AFRL based on academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location).

• Health Insurance Supplement (participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Proof of health insurance is required for participation; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology, sociology, computer science, or related scientific background areas
• U.S. citizenship required
• Discipline: Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (including Artificial Intelligence, Computer Architecture, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Security, Networks, Scientific Computing, Software Engineering, Social