Associate Data Scientist

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University seeks a data scientist to apply advanced statistics, ML, and AI techniques to cybersecurity challenges for government and industry clients.

You will collaborate with university faculty and industry partners to identify impactful problems, develop prototypes, and deliver end-to-end solutions while co-authoring proposals and presenting results at conferences.

Qualifications

• BS in data science, ML, CS, statistics or related highly-quantitative discipline with 3 years of experience or MS with 1 year or PhD.
• Willingness to travel modestly to support the SEI’s mission.
• Background check and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can tackle cybersecurity problems.
• Plan and develop prototype solutions and build final products.
• Co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to sponsors and at academic conferences.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Data science

AI & ML

Statistical modeling

Programming (R, Python)

Communication skills

Big data frameworks

Education

BS in quantitative field

MS in quantitative field

PhD in quantitative field

Tools

R

Python (numpy/scipy/pandas)

MATLAB

LightGBM/XGBoost/CatBoost

PyTorch/TensorFlow

Spark

BigQuery/Snowflake/Databricks

Job description

What We Do

Data Scientists at the SEI use advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help our government and industry clients research and solve cybersecurity challenges. In this role, you will 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. You'll get a chance to work with elite cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national cybersecurity strategy for decades to come. You will co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to DoW sponsors and at academic conferences.

Our team works on a wide range of projects. Our current work includes research in generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and assurance of AI systems. Additionally, we craft metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs, develop human-in-the-loop machine learning solutions, and build classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities. If you are a data science or statistics expert with an interest in cybersecurity, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

• BS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline with three (3) years of experience or equivalent combination of training or experience; or MS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline with one (1) year of experience; or PhD in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission.
• You will be subject to a background check and must be able obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience in predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learning
• 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/polars, MATLAB, etc.)
• Innovative and inquisitive with ability to imagine novel analytical solutions to problems Thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Strong communication skills
• Expertise in one or more of the following:
• Recommendation systems
• Time-series forecasting (Prophet, NeuralProphet, Chronos, Lag-Llama, etc.)
• NLP / LLMs (fine-tuning, RAG, evaluation, prompt engineering)
• Causal inference / uplift modeling / synthetic controls
• Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch,JAX, TensorFlow)
• LLMs / agentic workflows (LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack)
• Experience deploying models (FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar)
• Experience working with big data (Spark, Trino, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks)

Desired Experience

• Experience in cybersecurity and privacy is a plus is a plus
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs an National Labs is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work

Location

Arlington, VA, 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.
• Statement of Assurance

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