The IDA Center for Communications Research, La Jolla (CCRL), invites applications for SCAMP, its summer research effort. Each year, mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists come to CCRL and work full time for 10 weeks on a few projects side-by-side with our research staff. The scientific scope is broad and varied, including proving theorems, high-performance implementations of mathematical algorithms, practical machine learning, and statistical data analysis. Our research environment is distinctive in encouraging collaboration, multidisciplinary teams, and combining theory and practice. 

SCAMP is held at our facility in beautiful San Diego, California. Participants are paid for their time and reimbursed for their travel and housing expenses. SCAMP is designed to be compatible with academic jobs, and it provides a way for academics to experience working in a non-academic environment in service to the country. 

A typical SCAMP runs from mid-June through late August. Successful applicants may participate in one or more SCAMPs. The earliest possible SCAMP for applicants in this cycle is SCAMP 2026, but later start dates are more likely. 

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $114,887- $274,746. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience and unique skills or qualifications. 

Most SCAMP participants have a PhD in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Graduate students and exceptional undergraduates in such fields will also be considered. 

We do not require applicants to have any particular background, although we typically do not accept SCAMP applicants whose main occupation is cryptography.

US citizenship is required for all applicants. Employment is contingent on obtaining an appropriate security clearance (which we will sponsor). 

Please submit the following items online to complete your application: 

• Cover letter explaining your interest in our SCAMP program. 

• Curriculum vitae, including links to work samples. 

• References: Provide three references who can speak knowledgeably about your research contributions or letters of recommendation. Note that you are not required to submit letters of recommendation. 

To receive full consideration, applications should be received by November 7, 2025. 

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.