Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor and Research Professor

Virginia Tech; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking academic organization at the forefront of national security research. As a research staff member, you'll engage in dynamic projects related to signals intelligence, cyber operations, and autonomous systems. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead program development, mentor students, and contribute to groundbreaking research in a collaborative environment. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the institute seeks motivated individuals ready to make a significant impact in the field of national security. Your expertise in advanced technologies and research methodologies will be invaluable in shaping the future of secure America.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to maintain a security clearance.
• Doctorate required in relevant engineering or science disciplines.
• Demonstrated mastery through publication and research experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for university-sponsored programs.
• Author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Mentor students and advise graduate candidates.

Skills

Digital Signal Processing

Software-Defined Radio Technologies

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Cybersecurity

Statistical Data Analytics

Satellite Systems

Autonomous Control

Education

Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Doctorate in Computer Science

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Digital Communications Tools

Statistical Software

Programming Languages

Job description

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development. The national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

Motivated applicants are sought to join VT NSI as Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor to support rapid growth in our body of programs in resilient C4ISR Missions, Signals Intelligence & Cyber Operations and Autonomy and Orchestration. Rank will be determined based upon experience and credentials. The winning candidates can expect highly competitive salary and benefits in a university setting. This position serves as a research staff member of the Hume Center, within one of its three research laboratories: Mission Systems Division, Information Systems Division, or Spectrum Dominance Division. These divisions host a range of dynamic research projects and the successful applicant will have the ability to contribute to these programs, lead the development of new programs, and mentor students engaged in these programs.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

1. Support the execution of university sponsored programs by conducting research and development;
2. Author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed academic papers;
3. Support the development of new funded research programs by participating on proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of VT NSI;
4. Mentor students engaged in experiential learning programs;
5. Advise graduate students pursuing advanced degrees;
6. Occasionally teach courses.

For positions within the Spectrum Dominance division, individuals with expertise in digital communications, wireless systems, and radar platforms are sought. Successful applicants will have experience with digital signal processing and software-defined radio technologies, with applications in military radar, tactical/public safety communications, electronic warfare, and/or satellite communications.

For data-focused positions within the Intelligent Systems Division, individuals with experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, and statistical data analytics are sought. Successful applicants will have experience applying these tools to a range of data problems, such as time-series analysis, statistical forecasting and inference, and detection/classification.

For cyber-focused positions within the Intelligent Systems Division, individuals with experience in cybersecurity, hardware/software reverse engineering, provably secure computing, and security for embedded/industrial/control systems and networks are sought. Successful applicants will have a mixture of theoretical foundations in areas such as the theory of computing, formal methods, or cryptography; paired with hands-on experience working with real-world security issues.

For positions within the Mission Systems Division, individuals with experience in satellite systems, autonomous control, space domain awareness, physics-based modeling, undersea system and platform, and system optimization and orchestration are sought. The successful applicant will have technical expertise in designing, building, testing, and flying experimental spacecraft.

Required Qualifications

- Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- Doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science, Physics, or related discipline.
- Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
- Scholarship and funding credentials that support the rank of either research assistant professor, research associate professor, or research professor.
- Demonstrated mastery of one’s field of study through publication of relevant research in peer-reviewed academic venues appropriate to the discipline.
- Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

- Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level.
- Experience writing grant and contract proposals.
- Experience serving as principal investigator on research grants and contracts.
- Interest and/or experience in working effectively with faculty, staff and student population.
- Experience conducting research programs supporting defense and intelligence sponsors.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment Type

Restricted.

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience.

Hours per week

40.

Review Date

May 31, 2025.

Additional Information

Positions may be located in Blacksburg, VA or Arlington, VA dependent on need. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates must be US citizens and have the ability to obtain and maintain a 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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 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 Sue Kass at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.