Senior Ontologist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

7d

About The Position

The Senior Ontologist will join the Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The role works with software engineers and data scientists to build ontologies and capabilities for applied national security mission needs, bridging data, real-world events, people, and prediction of events of national importance. The position provides expert evaluation and review of ontology content, engages stakeholders to determine ontology requirements, works with subject matter experts to develop ontology content, and contributes to and implements quality assurance and validation practices. The work supports dynamic national security requirements and may involve loosely defined or high-level requirements. The role requires the ability to obtain a TS/SCI+Poly security clearance; eligibility includes U.S. citizenship.

APL describes its environment as creative, collaborative, vibrant, and welcoming, with opportunities for growth and strong connections with teammates. Its campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a field relevant to ontology, such as Philosophy, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Linguistics, Public / Social Policy, Mathematics, or Logic.
• Proficiency with one or more of Ontology Web Language (OWL), Resource Description Framework Schema (RDFs), and Resource Description Framework (RDF).
• Proficiency with SPARQL.
• Experience building domain ontologies based on a top-level ontology.
• Ability to weigh tradeoffs between semantic expressivity and project-specific implementation strategies.
• Experience with Python.
• Familiarity with ontology editors such as TopBraid Composer, Protégé, or ROBOT, or ontology editing software packages such as rdflib, Apache Jena, Sesame, or RDF4J.
• Experience with formal representations of logical reasoning and inference.
• Ability to work with loosely defined or high-level requirements and on multiple dynamic projects supporting evolving national security requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills; demonstrated initiative; ability to work independently or in a team; and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain a TS/SCI+Poly security clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in a field relevant to ontology, such as Philosophy, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Public / Social Policy, Mathematics, Logic, or Linguistics.
• Experience working with a software engineering team to deliver ontology-driven software features.
• Experience with Basic Formal Ontology (BFO), The Common Core Ontologies (CCO), W3C standards such as SOSA/SSN and the Time Ontology, ontologies in the Open Biological and Biomedical (OBO) Foundry, or semantic web standards such as Dublin Core, SKOS, QUDT, and GeoSPARQL.
• Experience with triple stores or graph databases such as GraphDB, Stardog, or Jena Fuseki.
• Experience using AI tools to generate high-quality ontology content.
• Experience developing AI tools that use ontologies or knowledge graphs.
• Experience with semantic validation languages such as SHACL or SPIN.
• Experience with software version management using GIT.
• Experience with machine learning, natural language processing, or normalization/integration of heterogeneous data sources.
• Coursework in data structures, databases, metaphysics, knowledge representation, algorithms, mathematical logic, mereotopology, or software programming.
• Experience with project management and/or leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Build ontologies and capabilities with software engineers and data scientists for applied national security mission needs.
• Provide expert evaluation and review of ontology content.
• Engage stakeholders to determine ontology requirements.
• Work with subject matter experts to craft ontology content.
• Contribute to and implement ontology quality assurance and validation practices.
• Support multiple dynamic projects as national security requirements evolve.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program and education assistance.
• Unparalleled retirement contributions and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Training and development.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance, subject to applicable policy or contractual designation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior