Research Associate/Sr. Research Associate

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

This is a research and development position based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is part of the Institute’s Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, computer science, AI/ML, and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges in platforms, including satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms involving hardware, algorithms, sensor networks and phenomenologies, and more. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: avionics, small satellites, TT&C systems, small aerial or underwater vehicles, model-based systems engineering, or cyber physical security. The winning candidates can expect competitive salary and benefits in a university setting. This pooled position is focused on individuals with expertise in any of three key technology areas to support a growing portfolio of programs:

1) Digital communications, signal processing, software-defined radio, and/or machine learning techniques applied to temporal data such as RF I/Q streams, audio, or video.
2) Computational electromagnetics, with emphasis on electromagnetic materials, interactions between EM behaviors/propagation, and manufacturing/testing of EM materials.
3) RF Engineering and Circuit Design, focused on developing and analyzing RF systems and hardware for space communications and other advanced platforms.

Successful applicants will have experience in research and systems such as:
• RF Fundamentals and Circuit Design: Fundamental knowledge of RF concepts such as frequency, signal propagation, and decibel calculations. Experience with transmission lines, impedance matching, and circuit design for amplifiers, filters, and oscillators.
• Antenna Design and Testing: Understanding of antenna theory and proficiency with design tools to create and evaluate performance metrics such as gain, radiation patterns, and polarization.
• RF Measurements and Testing: Proficiency with RF test equipment, including spectrum analyzers and network analyzers, performing measurements like VSWR, return loss, S-parameters, power, phase, and noise figure.
• Communication Systems and Standards: Knowledge of wireless communication principles (modulation, coding schemes) and standards (Wi-Fi, LTE, satellite communication).
• Simulation and Modeling: Familiarity with RF and electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, HFSS, CST Microwave Studio) for component design and system analysis.
• Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio Technologies: Experience with SDR hardware platforms, FPGA development, and embedded DSP. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, GNU Radio, and Python for RF spectrum access and communication systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Awareness of RF regulations and standards such as FCC and ETSI for spectrum management and EMC/EMI compliance.
• Technical Documentation and Reporting: Ability to document research findings, designs, and experimental results clearly for both internal reporting and peer-reviewed publications.

Candidates are anticipated to align with one of the dominant research portfolios, yet flexibility in tasking and projects permits growth across different technology areas. For all technical specialties, specific responsibilities include the following:
- Support the execution of university-sponsored programs by conducting research and development;
- Author/co-author technical documents including publishing peer-reviewed academic papers;
- Support the development of new funded research programs by participating in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of the Mission Systems Division;
- Provide mentorship to students and junior researchers working on programs.

Required Qualifications

All candidates must have the following:
• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Experience with conducting research and development.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.

For the rank of Research Associate:
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline. Lesser degree with significant professional experience in a related discipline may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

For the rank of Senior Research Associate:
• Doctorate degree Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related discipline. Advance degree with significant professional experience in a related discipline may be considered in lieu of the doctorate degree.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Experience with conducting research and development and providing research leadership to programs in these areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level
• Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population
• Experience working in an academic environment
• Experience conducting research programs supporting the federal government.

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience, starting at $90,000

Review Date

January 2, 2025

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our work, all candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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 Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.