VT Graduate Assistant: AI-Focused Cybersecurity Development

Position: VT Graduate Assistant: AI-Focused Cybersecurity Courseware Development

VT Graduate Assistant: AI-Focused Cybersecurity Courseware Development

Director of the Virginia and U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech

Position Overview

The Virginia Cyber Range seeks an in-person, motivated Graduate Assistant who will be actively enrolled at the Virginia Tech Blacksburg campus to support the development of cutting‑edge courseware exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. AI fluency is becoming essential for everyone in the modern workforce in addition to cybersecurity. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to educational materials that address one of the most rapidly evolving areas in the field while gaining hands‑on experience in instructional design and curriculum development.

Company

Description

The Virginia Cyber Range is an initiative of the Commonwealth of Virginia dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity education for students in public high schools, colleges, and universities statewide. Its goal is to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity operations, development, and research. The Virginia Cyber Range offers a robust Courseware Repository for educators and a cloud‑hosted Exercise Area for hands‑on cybersecurity labs and exercises.

By providing these resources, the Virginia Cyber Range aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to address real‑world cybersecurity challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

Courseware Development

• Assist in designing and creating course modules covering AI applications in cybersecurity, including LLM prompt injection, AI and Machine Learning (ML) threat detection, vulnerability assessment, privacy, ethics, policy, and security automation
• Develop practical exercises, labs, and hands‑on activities that work within the Cyber Range cloud environments that demonstrate AI/ML techniques in security contexts
• Research and curate relevant case studies showcasing real‑world applications of AI in cybersecurity operations to create a scenario‑based exercise
• Create supplementary materials such as lecture slides, learning objectives, reading guides, and assessment tools

Content Research and Curation

• Stay current with emerging trends in AI security, adversarial machine learning, and AI‑driven cyber threats
• Identify and evaluate academic papers, industry reports, and technical resources for course integration
• Research ethical considerations and responsible AI practices in cybersecurity applications

Technical Support

• Develop hands‑on labs using relevant AI/ML frameworks and security tools
• Test and validate technical exercises to ensure they function correctly across different environments and are digitally accessible

Quality Assurance

• Review course materials for technical accuracy, clarity, and pedagogical effectiveness
• Gather and incorporate feedback from pilot programs or reviews
• Ensure content aligns with learning objectives and industry best practices

Research Dissemination

• Content will be directly shared with all national and international customers within the Cyber Ranges
• Publishing and poster presentations are encouraged but not a requirement

Qualifications

Required:

• Currently enrolled in a relevant graduate program at Virginia Tech including but not limited to Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Education, Business, or related field
• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices
• Intermediate understanding of machine learning concepts and AI technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
• Self‑motivated with excellent time management skills

Preferred:

• Coursework or experience in cybersecurity, machine learning, data science, or AI
• Familiarity with security tools and frameworks
• Prior teaching, tutoring, or instructional design experience
• Understanding of threats like adversarial AI, model poisoning, or AI‑powered attacks

Learning Outcomes for the Graduate Assistant

• Deep expertise at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity
• Instructional design and curriculum development skills
• Experience creating educational content for educator audiences with impact across Virginia, the US, and internationally
• Exposure to current industry practices and emerging technologies
• Professional networking within cybersecurity education community

Time Commitment

20 hours per week during the academic year, with flexibility around class schedules and exam periods. Position includes stipend plus tuition remission (per university guidelines) for the summer.

Compensation

Competitive graduate assistantship stipend plus tuition remission (per university guidelines).

Application Materials

• Current CV/resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in AI and cybersecurity education
• Names and contact information for two references

DM me for the email to send application materials..

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