Graduate - Dept of Computer Science- Graduate Research Assistant

Overview

Title Graduate Employee
- Dept of Computer Science
- Graduate Research Assistant (2 Positions Available)

Requisition ST

Employee Class Student Employee

College Work Study Position No

Department Dept of Computer Science

Division Division of Academic Affairs

Hours Per Week 20

Preferred Student Classification Admitted to or currently enrolled in an M.S. or Ph.D. program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Nature & Purpose Of Position Please note:
Due to project requirements, this position is open only to U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents.

Position Overview We are seeking two highly motivated Graduate Research Assistants to join an NSF-funded project focused on developing the next generation of cybersecurity for the Internet of Things (IoT) (10/2025 to 09/2027). This project addresses a critical security gap in mission-critical systems like smart cities, intelligent transportation, and defense. Our research will explore, develop, and prototype innovative security mechanisms based on multimodal sensing—the integration of multiple sensor types, with a particular focus on integrating image and audio data.

You will be at the forefront of research that intersects wireless networking, mobile sensing, and AI to enhance the protection of these vital systems.

• Selected candidates will contribute to one or more of the project’s three core research thrusts:
• MSS-KEY:
  Developing a novel framework for establishing secure ad hoc keys between IoT devices by leveraging indirectly correlated multimodal sensing data and unforgeable physical-domain randomness.
• MSS-VAL:
  Designing a framework to protect IoT systems (especially those using image/audio) against manipulated or spoofed sensor inputs.
• MSS-AUG:
  Using AI (e.g., cross-domain generative learning) to streamline and automate the integration of new sensing modalities (like new camera or audio streams) into existing security systems.
• Additional responsibilities include:
• Assisting in the design and development of a dedicated MSS testbed equipped with a wide range of sensors, including cameras and microphones.
• Conducting rigorous experimental validation of the proposed techniques.
• Analyzing data and preparing findings for publication in top-tier conferences and journals.
• Collaborating with faculty and other students, and contributing to the project’s broader impacts.

• Requirements: Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++); solid understanding of fundamental computer science and engineering concepts; strong analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications: Research interest or background in cybersecurity (encryption, authentication, network security, etc.);
  Internet of Things (IoT) systems; wireless networking and/or mobile sensing; direct experience with multimedia processing (e.g., computer vision, OpenCV) and/or audio processing (e.g., digital signal processing, speech analysis); experience with machine learning, deep learning, or generative models (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, or Keras); hands-on hardware prototyping (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, cameras, microphones).

Open Date 08/06/2025

Position Number 9N9891-00

Contact Name & Title Qingzhong Liu

Contact Phone

Contact Email qxl
005

Contact Building & Room AB1 216D

Contact Instructions Summary please send questions concerning this post to: qxl
005

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code.

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