Associate Research Scientist; PREP

Associate Research Scientist (PREP
0003810)

Requisition #: A-177036-26

Status:
Full Time

Type:
Faculty

School:
Whiting School of Engineering

Department/Program:
Commercial and Government Programs Office

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas.

Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Research

Title:

Evaluating and Advancing Measurement of Real-Time Deep Fake Detection and Digital Injection Prevention for Digital Identity Services

The work will entail:

The increased availability of generative AI technology has given rise to fear of these tools being used to disrupt any number of cybersecurity safeguards implemented by US Government and commercial systems. Most notably, identity systems used to enable remote proof of identity and online access have found themselves in the crosshairs of attackers. Many of these use real‑time deep‑fake technology to defeat biometrics and human‑supported identity verification systems.

They use technical measures to insert (known as injection) modified or forged media (images or videos) into communication channels to defeat matching algorithms, presentation attack detection, or human reviewers. Protections against these attacks focus on two areas: defending against the injection and detecting the deepfakes. The project will focus on providing controls for the first and measurement for tools used in detection.

No organization should rely on just one of these methods as it should be assumed that attackers will be able to achieve an injection. This makes accurate detection imperative, while at the same time, all efforts need to be made to deter injections since detection algorithms are nascent and will likely miss well‑crafted deepfakes. Some products currently support detection capabilities, yet there are no well‑established metrics, tests, or standards to measure the effectiveness of these technologies in combating real‑world threats.

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• proposing a scientific framework for evaluation of different detection and prevention tools
• Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization
• assisting in the development of research papers or guidelines

• A Doctorate or in a Doctoral program with a focus on Computer Science, Engineering, or Cybersecurity
• 5‑8 years of relevant experience
• Expertise in biometric systems and biometric system threats
• Ability to work with leading software and hardware to replicate deep‑fake threats and evaluate detection system performance
• Familiarity with multiple scripting languages
• Ability to develop deep‑fake artifacts for testing
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Please upload the following with your application:

• CV/Resume
• Phone number
• Home address/Country
• Languages spoken

* Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume.

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g‑1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose:

The National Institute, for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post‑bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

PREP is a 5‑year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship…