Division Director – Intelligent Human-Machine Systems (IHMS)

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence & Security (ARLIS) at the University of Maryland is seeking a Division Director to lead its Intelligent Human-Machine Systems (IHMS) Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of human-machine collaboration in critical national security environments. The IHMS Division focuses on developing technologies and methodologies to enhance decision-making, optimize human performance, and enable effective teaming between humans and intelligent systems in complex, high-stakes situations. The division researches AI, autonomy, and augmentation to improve performance for national security missions. The Division Director will provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership for a growing portfolio of research programs, partnerships, and a team of over 25 researchers.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Data Science, or a related field.
Applicants with a Master's Degree and relevant experience of at least 15 years will be considered but will require additional University authorization.
10+ years of relevant experience, including: Leadership of technical teams or research organizations.
Management of complex R&D programs (preferably in DoW or IC environments).
Demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering impactful research outcomes.
Strong understanding of at least one of the following: AI/ML systems and applications, Human-machine interaction and human performance, Complex systems engineering or mission systems.
Experience working with government sponsors and navigating federal R&D environments.
Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance.
If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.
Final offer is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to successfully obtain the necessary interim Secret security clearance, as determined by the U.S. Government, prior to commencing employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience leading a division, center, or large program portfolio.
Track record of successful proposal development and program growth.
Familiarity with national security mission areas such as intelligence analysis, cyber operations, or defense systems.
Experience integrating technical research into operational or deployed environments.
Background in interdisciplinary research spanning technical and behavioral domains.
Active security clearance (TS/SCI preferred).

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and vision for the IHMS Division, including strategic planning, growth, and execution of research programs.
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and developers across AI, human systems, and social sciences as applied to intelligence and security missions.
Manage a portfolio of government-sponsored R&D programs, ensuring delivery of high-quality technical outcomes on schedule and within budget.
Build and sustain relationships with key government sponsors, including Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) stakeholders.
Drive business development activities, including identifying new opportunities, shaping proposals, and expanding ARLIS’s impact.
Oversee hiring, workforce development, and organizational culture within the division.
Ensure compliance with security, contracting, and operational requirements associated with classified and sensitive programs.
Guide the division’s technical direction across core areas mission areas of: Command, Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C2ISR), Human Performance and Readiness Augmentation (HPRA), and Autonomy.
Provide thought leadership in emerging areas such as: Human-machine teaming and collaboration, AI-enabled mission systems and autonomy, Sociotechnical systems and human-AI trust, Integration of AI into operational workflows and decision environments, and Human performance, training, and readiness.
Serve as a Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator on high-impact, externally sponsored research programs and engage directly with divisions' projects, offering technical insight, guidance, and review.
Represent ARLIS in external engagements, including sponsor briefings, interagency collaborations, and academic/industry partnerships.