Senior Research Scientist

The SEI CERT Data Science Team uses advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help our government and industry clients research and solve cyber security challenges. We work with our customers to identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can help tackle problems, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build out final products. Senior Research Scientists co-author research proposals, execute studies, build models, and present findings to DoD sponsors and at academic conferences.

Our team works on a wide range of projects. Some of our current work includes experimental designs for large-scale cyber security research programs, researching human-in-the-loop machine learning, and building classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities in code. Additionally, we work in generative AI and large language models, deep fake video creation and detection, data visualization, and natural language processing. We have access to a wide variety of cyber-related data, including malware samples, netflow data, cyber security training runs and tests, incident tickets, and more.
 

Position Summary:

The person in this role will be a senior member of the CERT Data Science team working collaboratively with CERT Data Science leadership and Cybersecurity Foundations Directorate leadership to develop and execute the research and technical agenda of our technical cybersecurity assessment portfolio.
 

Requirements:

• Education and Experience: BS degree in a relevant discipline with 10 years of applicable experience, or a MS degree in a relevant discipline with 8 years of applicable experience, or a PhD in a relevant discipline with 5 years of applicable experience.
• Minimum of 4 years professional experience working at a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC).
• Technical Leadership and Project Management: You have a successful track record of leading, managing, and executing projects in data science, cybersecurity or applied research. You are user-centered and accomplishment-focused, driving projects and the people that work on them to successful, high-impact outcomes.
• Managing in a Creative, Dynamic Environment: You have experience leading multiple simultaneous projects and thrive in a creative and high-energy environment. You are willing to experiment with new management practices and develop effective processes, practices, and infrastructure to support successful people and projects.
• Mentorship: You have experience mentoring, motivating, and empowering people in ways that promote equity and inclusion.
• Technical Expertise: Candidates must have broad experience and knowledge of various technical, mathematical, and/or statistical domains. Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics Proficient with at least one mathematical/statistical programming package (e.g., R, python numpy/scipy/pandas, MATLAB, etc.). Expertise in two or more of the following: machine learning techniques (e.g., K-means, SVM, neural networks), data visualization, natural language processing, AI engineering, digital forgery, large language models.
• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Expertise in two or more advanced computing fields, such as quantum computing, RF Engineering, FPGA programming, spectrum management, cyber-physical sensing, 5G communications, space systems, GIS, or similar technologies
• Travel: Frequent, up to 15-25% to various locations within the SEI and CMU community, customer sites, conferences, and offsite meetings as needed.
• Security Clearance: You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a United States Department of Defense top secret security clearance.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Duties:

• Project Research and Customer Engagement (75%): You will lead and perform on research projects and technical projects designed to advance the state of the art in various technical disciplines. You will represent the SEI regularly presenting our mission and our work to our stakeholders.
• People Development (10%): You will mentor junior team members in developing technical solutions for important and high-impact needs.
• Community Engagement (10%): You will engage with our communities of interest; this includes presenting our mission and work via publication and presentation. You will build and maintain relationships with the relevant research and technology communities.
• Professional Development (5%): You will continue to grow your knowledge and skills and stay up to date on emerging trends and topics relevant to the team’s portfolio.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Communication: You are an outstanding communicator and can interact collaboratively and diplomatically with customers and colleagues at all levels of knowledge and experience. You grasp the big picture, direction, and goals of an effort with ability to dig into the details on problems and technical concepts and provide clear direction. You can present complex ideas to people who may not have a deep understanding of the subject area.
• Dedication and Motivation: You can meet deadlines while multi-tasking–sometimes under pressure and with shifting priorities. You are self-motivated and can work toward a common vision with little oversight.
• Creativity and Innovation: You are creative and curious, and you are passionate about the prospect of collaborating with world-class researchers and visionaries at Carnegie Mellon University and innovation-focused organizations.
• Knowledge and Learning: You possess broad technical interests along with a deep knowledge in data science. You quickly learn new procedures, techniques, and approaches. You are forward-looking and can connect research with practical challenges.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance