Director of Research and Development, Center Geospatial Information Technology. Arli

Job Description

The Director of Research and Development for CGIT will lead interdisciplinary, applied research at the intersection of geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, and national security. The director will expand Virginia Tech's research portfolio in environmental intelligence by linking forest and watershed science with mission‑critical needs related to defense, infrastructure resilience, and hazard preparedness.

The director will serve as a member of both the CGIT and NSI leadership teams and will be responsible for building collaborative funded research programs that integrate Virginia Tech's expertise in AI and machine learning, geospatial data science, and environmental modeling within secure and operational environments. A central responsibility of the role is the development of a diversified, sustainable research funding portfolio that includes federal, state, industry, and foundation partners.

Following an initial three-year start‑up period, the director is expected to sustain the position through externally supported research, contracts, and partnerships, consistent with the mission of CGIT and NSI.

The appointment will include a research professorial rank (e.g., research assistant professor, research associate, professor, or research professor) to be confirmed upon hire. For qualified candidates, a tenure‑track or tenured appointment may be made in an appropriate academic department. Final rank will be determined at the time of offer.

Position location is planned in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA with the opportunity to visit collaborators on the Blacksburg campus as required. A primary work location in Blacksburg may be considered requiring regular travel to Greater Washington DC area.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

• Doctoral degree in geospatial science, environmental science, systems engineering, computer science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated record of research excellence in geospatial analytics, AI and machine learning, or environmental modeling relevant to national security, resilience, or hazard management
• Proven funding success as Principal Investigator on externally sponsored research, including federal or defense‑related agencies
• Credentials aligned to the research professorial rank offered
• Experience integrating geospatial and defense intelligence data systems
• Demonstrated record of developing multidisciplinary funded programs that integrate technical, organizational, and policy dimensions of environmental systems
• Familiarity with emerging AI and machine learning applications for environmental sensing and decision support
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance
• Strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Established professional networks within DoD, DHS, NOAA, USFS, or related agencies
• Track record of building and scaling research portfolios supported by diverse funding sources
• Experience mentoring researchers and students in interdisciplinary or secure research environments
• Recognized thought leadership in environmental resilience, geospatial intelligence, or AI applications for natural systems

• Develop shared data and decision platforms integrating satellite, aerial, and in‑situ sensor data for forests, watersheds, and coastal systems vulnerable to extreme weather
• Deploy AI and machine learning analytics for early detection of risk, including wildfire, flooding, wind damage, and debris flows
• Deliver real‑time dashboards and situational awareness briefings to agency partners

• Map vulnerabilities of military installations, energy corridors, and transportation networks that depend on upstream forest resilience and sustainable water management
• Align data streams with national readiness and resilience frameworks through NSI's defense network

• Establish a joint CGIT-NSI operations…