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

Motivated applicants are sought to join VTNSI as Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor to support rapid growth in our body of programs in data strategies, test and evaluation, artificial intelligence assurance, digital engineering, and cyber analytics and operations. Rank will be determined based upon experience and credentials. This position serves as a research faculty member of the Hume Center and in the Intelligent Systems Division (ISD).

ISD hosts a range of dynamic research projects and the successful applicant will have the ability to contribute to these programs, lead the development of new programs, and mentor students engaged in these programs. ISD is a leader in research and development in three core capabilities:
1) secure and resilient systems,
2) engineering, test, and evaluation of AI systems, and
3) integrated data and decision systems.

• 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.

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

• Overtime Status:
  Exempt, 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.

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.