CyberFL Scientific Researcher I

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Florida's Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida) seeks a Cybersecurity Research Scientist to advance its research mission through cybersecurity research, competitive proposal development, and externally sponsored projects. The position will identify and pursue funding opportunities across cyber areas.

The researcher will develop collaborative research initiatives, contribute to scholarly and applied research, cultivate external partnerships, and build a

Qualifications

• PhD in cybersecurity or closely related field.
• Demonstrated cybersecurity research experience.
• Experience developing proposals for federal, state, foundation, or industry sponsors.
• Record of scholarly or applied research and externally funded project participation.
• Expertise in emerging cybersecurity areas (AI, post-quantum, critical infrastructure, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Develops independent and collaborative cybersecurity research initiatives.
• Identifies funding opportunities and leads competitive proposals.
• Conducts applied and scholarly research and disseminates findings.
• Develops external partnerships and multi-institutional teams.
• Mentors students and research staff; maintains ethical research practices.

Skills

Cybersecurity research

Proposal development

Technical writing

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

PhD in cybersecurity

Job description

This Florida Center for Cybersecurity (Cyber Florida) seeks a Cybersecurity Research Scientist to advance the Center’s research mission through cybersecurity research, competitive proposal development, and externally sponsored projects. The position will identify and pursue federal, state, foundation, industry, and other funding opportunities across a broad range of cybersecurity-related areas.

The researcher will develop collaborative research initiatives, contribute to scholarly and applied research, cultivate external partnerships, and build a sustainable portfolio of sponsored funding. The position will initially be supported through E&G funding, with the expectation that external awards will progressively support the position and associated research activities.

Responsibilities

Hiring Salary: $120,000 annually

Research and Proposal Development

Develops independent and collaborative cybersecurity research initiatives. Identifies funding opportunities and leads or substantially contributes to competitive proposals, including research concepts, technical narratives, methodologies, work plans, and deliverables. May serve as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, key personnel, or other appropriate project role consistent with University and sponsor requirements.

Research Execution and Dissemination

Conducts applied and scholarly cybersecurity research; analyzes findings; and produces publications, technical reports, presentations, frameworks, tools, demonstrations, or other research products. Ensures research activities comply with applicable University, sponsor, research-compliance, data-security, and ethical requirements.

External Funding and Partnerships

Develops a sustained pipeline of externally funded research opportunities and cultivates relationships with government agencies, industry, academic institutions, critical-infrastructure organizations, and other research partners. Builds interdisciplinary and multi-institutional teams to pursue emerging cybersecurity opportunities.

Cyber Florida Research Integration

Provides research expertise across Cyber Florida programs and initiatives and identifies opportunities to translate existing capabilities, partnerships, and emerging cybersecurity challenges into externally fundable research.

Professional and Research Development

Maintains knowledge of emerging cybersecurity research and sponsor priorities and develops increasing independence in proposal leadership, research execution, partnership development, and sponsored-project leadership. May mentor students, research staff, or project personnel. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, information systems, or a closely related field. Demonstrated cybersecurity research experience and experience developing proposals for federal, state, foundation, or industry sponsors. A record of scholarly or applied research, externally funded project participation, research partnerships, and a sound record of technical or professional publications is required. Expertise in one or more emerging cybersecurity areas, including artificial intelligence, post-quantum cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, space and satellite cybersecurity, or other emerging cybersecurity disciplines, is preferred.

Special Skills and Training

Strong research, analytical, technical writing, proposal development, communication, and collaboration skills. Ability to develop research concepts, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, build interdisciplinary partnerships, and communicate effectively with academic, government, industry, and sponsor audiences.

Special Requirements

Employment with the Florida Center for Cybersecurity requires signing a nondisclosure agreement and successfully completing a Level 1 background check. The position will initially be supported through recurring E&G funding. During the first year, the researcher is expected to establish an active research and proposal pipeline. Thereafter, externally sponsored projects are expected to support an increasing proportion of the position and associated research activities, subject to University and sponsor requirements and the availability of funding.

Working Conditions

Environment: Typical office and research environment. Work may also occur at partner, research, training, or operational sites.

Physical Requirements

Primarily sedentary work involving extended computer use, meetings, presentations, and typing; ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as needed.

Travel

Ability to travel locally, statewide, nationally, or internationally as required for research, sponsor, partner, or professional activities.

Acknowledgment

While the primary job duties and responsibilities have been included, this job description is not designed nor meant to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities. This does not preclude the assignment of additional or developmental duties, special projects, or changes in the scope of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may temporarily or permanently change at any time, with or without notice.

Compliance and Federal Notices

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $783 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.