NIST is looking to develop sophisticated agent-based models (ABM) to analyze complex systems and infrastructure performance, with a focus on communications systems and emergency response scenarios. The goal is to inform policy decisions and system improvements for critical national infrastructure.
Requirements
- Proficiency in Python programming, particularly with data science libraries and simulation frameworks
- Experience with agent-based modeling concepts and methodologies
- Strong background in economic modeling and infrastructure analysis
- Knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis
- Experience with statistical software packages (Stata, MATLAB, R)
- Excellent technical writing skills for documentation and report preparation
- Proficiency with containerization technologies (Docker, Podman) for model deployment
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement agent-based models using Python's MESA framework to simulate complex systems including human agents (general public, first responders, authorities) and technological agents (sensors, user equipment, autonomous systems)
- Design realistic operating environments incorporating geographic data, digital elevation models, road networks, built environment footprints, and dynamic weather conditions
- Integrate agents and environments into discrete time-step simulations with appropriate synchronization between agent actions and environmental updates
- Define and execute comprehensive simulation experiments using benchmark scenarios based on well-documented historical events for model validation
- Configure and run multiple simulation iterations to generate performance surfaces and analyze system behavior under various communications systems and operating conditions
- Prepare detailed technical documentation describing ABM methodology, simulation setup, test procedures, and analytical results using MS Word or LaTeX
- Perform economic analysis to assess the value of technology and communication infrastructure improvements
Other
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 4 years of experience in modeling complex systems, data analysis, and assessing the value of technology and communication infrastructure
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required for security clearance eligibility
- Travel to NIST Gaithersburg campus for in-person presentations and demonstrations of advanced deliverables
