Research Scientist

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The Research Scientist is part of the Wicked Problems Lab at the Institute of National Security at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for providing research and developmental support for projects in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This position collaborates with research scientists, engineers, faculty, and external partners to assess threat landscapes, strengthen cyber resiliency, and accelerate the adoption of secure, advanced technologies across government, industry, and public‑sector infrastructures.

The Research Scientist will conduct experiments and execute on research proposals developed by the Principal Investigator across the domains of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. This deeply technical position is centered on data‑driven analysis to defend against cyber threats as well as building and testing AI systems to support adaptive, mission‑critical workflows. The Research Scientist will also be responsible for developing data‑driven models relating to real‑world events, and engaging in hands‑on deployment of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence‑related hardware at partnered locations.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator of the Wicked Problems Lab.

The Wicked Problems Lab at the Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security focuses on high‑impact challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national security. The Lab brings together leading researchers, engineers, and operational experts to translate emerging technologies into pragmatic, real‑world solutions. Work from the Wicked Problems Lab has been featured on the front page of The New York Times and has informed U.S. Congressional testimony.

• Contributes research and development support to the Institute portfolio of projects in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
• Directly contributes to the technical mission(s) of the Institute of National Security and its sponsors, through activities including analysis, modeling, testing, design activities, and publication of research results.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to reach desired project outcomes.
• Provides leadership and direction to team members.
• Maintains familiarity with emerging knowledge, technologies, techniques relevant to the Institute of National Security research discipline(s) and strategic goals.
• Communicates regularly, effectively, and professionally with sponsors.
• Facilitates work for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Completes other tasks as assigned.

This position may have supervisory responsibility over undergraduate and graduate students. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

• A bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science is required. An advanced degree in engineering or computer science is preferred.

• 4+ years of experience in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is required.
• Technical and mathematical expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision techniques, and modern data science is required.
• Systems engineering experience working across disciplines is required.
• Strong written and oral communication skills – technical reports, published articles, large audience presentations – are required.
• Strong project management skills are required.
• Experience working with a variety of partners from different backgrounds and conveying complex technical concepts to each partner is required.
• Strong hands‑on technical skills to help deliver an end‑to‑end functioning system that accomplishes research goals are required.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Other

Higher Education

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