Research Associate, Cyber

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research.

With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, VTNSI serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs, and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities.

The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD) is seeking a Research Associate in Cyber Security to conduct research in artificial intelligence and systems engineering. This research and development position may be based in Arlington, Virginia.

• Support research in ISD projects focused on cybersecurity, cyber operations and the intersection with other ISD research interests, including data science, machine learning and systems engineering.
• Contribute to technical documents/presentations and peer-reviewed academic papers.
• Provide mentorship to students working on projects.

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, statistics, data science, or related discipline; or Bachelor’s degree in the same fields and significant related experience.
• Experience with cybersecurity, cyber operations, networking fundamentals, common cyber-attack types, security concepts, network logs and telemetry.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, or
  
  C.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team on research and/or development projects.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Active security clearance.
• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Experience with software development.
• Experience with machine learning libraries such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face.
• Experience supporting federal government research and/or development programs.
• Interest or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.

Overtime Status:
Exempt – Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment Type:
Restricted.

Salary:
Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week: 40 hours.

Review Date: 5/27/2026.

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.

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 VTNSI Human Resources at nsihr during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.