Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor or Research Professor

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation’s preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development.

The institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

• support the execution of university‑sponsored programs by conducting research and development;
• author technical documents and publish peer‑reviewed academic papers;
• support the development of new funded research programs by participating on proposal teams and supporting the business‑development activities of VTNSI;
• support the development and growth of the future national security workforce through student mentoring and advisement, and workforce training and education.

We are seeking individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, test and evaluation, mathematics, statistics, cyber security, and/or digital engineering. Successful applicants will have experience applying these methods to complex organizational and/or system technologies.

• An earned Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Psychology, or a related field.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Scholarship and funding credentials that support the rank of either research assistant professor, research associate professor, or research professor.
• Demonstrated mastery of one’s field of study through publication of relevant research in peer‑reviewed academic venues appropriate to the discipline.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level.
• Experience writing grant and contract proposals.
• Experience serving as principal investigator on research grants and contracts (required for ranks of research associate professor and research professor).
• Interest and/or experience in working effectively with faculty, staff and student population.
• Experience conducting research programs supporting defense and intelligence sponsors.

• Overtime Status:
  Not eligible for overtime.
• Appointment Type:
  Restricted.
• Salary Information:
  Salary commensurate with experience.
• Hours per week: 40 hours per week.
• Review Date: 3/9/2026.

Due to the nature of the Institute’s work, candidates must be U.S. citizens and must also have the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact NSI Human Resources at nishr during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.