Founding Director, National Security Initiative

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University seeks a visionary Founding Director to lead the National Security Initiative (NSI). You will shape vision, drive research directions, and build external partnerships to position NSI as a nationally recognized center for applied AI in defense and national security.

You will recruit and mentor researchers, secure federal funding, and oversee interdisciplinary programs spanning Autonomous Rapid Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics for Defense.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing federal research funding and leading interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Strong understanding of federal research and national security funding landscape.
• Advanced degree (doctorate or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience leading DARPA/ARPA-like mission-focused programs.
• Existing relationships across DoD/DoE/DHS and national labs.
• Experience in technology transition, commercialization or dual-use programs.
• Familiarity with classified research environments and secure facilities operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high-impact interdisciplinary AI research programs aligned with national security priorities.
• Guide proposal development for large federal funding opportunities.
• Establish seed funding initiatives to catalyze high-risk research.
• Translate research into deployable technologies and capabilities.
• Foster collaboration across MSU colleges, departments, and centers.
• Oversee NSI programs with evaluation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Research leadership

Applied AI

Federal funding

Partnership development

Team building

Communication

Education

Master's degree

Tools

Grant management

Strategic planning

Job description

MSU - Michigan State University seeks a visionary Founding Director to lead the National Security Initiative (NSI). You will shape vision, drive research directions, and build external partnerships to position NSI as a nationally recognized center for applied AI in defense and national security.

You will recruit and mentor researchers, secure federal funding, and oversee interdisciplinary programs spanning Autonomous Rapid Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics for Defense.