Research Associate, Data Science

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development. With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, VTNSI serves dual missions of performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs and cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities.

As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.

This research and development position may be based in Arlington, Virginia. The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, seeks a Research Associate in Data Science to conduct research in artificial intelligence and systems engineering. Successful candidates will have relevant experience in statistics, systems engineering, data science, or computer science.

• Support research in ISD projects focused on design of experiments, time series analyses, anomaly detection, natural language processing, large-scale data infrastructure, test and evaluation, computer vision, cyber security, and systems engineering.
• Contribute to technical documents, presentations, and peer‑reviewed academic papers.
• Provide mentorship to students working on programs.

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline; or Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related discipline and significant related experience.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Experience with common machine learning software packages such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, or related statistical analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development through academic study or experience.
• US citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance.

• Active security clearance.
• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Proficiency with generative artificial intelligence such as large language models.
• Experience with software development.
• Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government.
• Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.

Due to the nature of the Institute's work, candidates must be US 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.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Salary Commensurate with Experience

40 hours per week

5/27/2026

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