Among computer and information research scientists, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer and information research scientists: 34% (high).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

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About the job

Job Description

With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VNTSI) serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of War and Intelligence Community programs and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.

The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, is seeking a Research Associate or Research Scientist in Cyber Security to conduct research in cyber security and artificial intelligence. This is a research and development position based in Arlington, Virginia. ISD brings together researchers from computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, operations research and other related fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in cyber security and ideally artificial intelligence.

Specific responsibilities include the following: 1. Contributes to research conducted in ISD focused on cyber security, cyber operations, cyber analytics, and the intersection of those areas with other ISD research interests - including but not limited to data science, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering 2. Contributes to technical documents/presentations and peer-reviewed academic papers 3. At the Research Associate I and II levels, executes responsibilities that may include background research, coding protection mechanisms or attacks, data collection, analysis, documentation, and supporting project logistics 4. At the Research Scientist I and II levels, contributes to research design and execution, supervise and/or mentor technical staff in key technical areas, and participate in proposal development; opportunity to serve as either Co-PI or PI on small to moderate programs.

Required Qualifications

• US citizenship • Active and ability to maintain a security clearance • Education in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or related discipline o For Research Associate I, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with relevant certifications o For Research Associate II, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with 3 years post-degree experience o Research Scientist I, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with five years of post-degree experience o Research Scientist II, Master’s degree with three years experience, Bachelor’s with five years post-degree experience, or doctoral degree. • Experience with cyber security and cyber operations (including software, AI/ML, or autonomy) • Demonstrated knowledge of networking fundamentals, network logs and telemetry, common cyber-attack types including malware, security concepts including access control and cryptography. • Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning. • Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, C, etc. • Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects • Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance. • Experience in cyber test, including network and penetration testing, malware analysis, or red teaming • Experience in testing AI-enabled systems (including benchmarking, prompting, narratives, AI use in human workflows) and agentic AI (including assessing behavior and security, autonomous use of AI) • Experience serving as PI/Co-PI on funding programs (preference for Research Scientist I and II) • Experience with software development, cryptography, or software reverse engineering • Experience with common machine learning software packages such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc. • Experience working in an academic environment • Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government • Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Research Associate I starting at $100,000; commensurate with experience

Research Associate II starting at $125,000; commensurate with experience

Research Scientist I starting at $150,000; commensurate with experience

Research Scientist II starting at $175,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Review Date

November 30, 2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with an active 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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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 Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.