Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor and ResearchProfessor

Virginia Polytechnic InstState Univ; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks dynamic Research Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors for the Virginia Tech National Security Institute. Successful candidates will contribute to cutting-edge research in national security technologies and have opportunities for mentorship and program development.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain security clearance.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed venues.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Research Excellence

Collaboration

Digital Signal Processing

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Cybersecurity

Education

Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering

Doctorate in Computer Science

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate in Physics

Tools

Research Tools

Job description

Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, and Research Professor

Job no : Work type : Research Faculty
Senior management : Vice President for Research
Department : VTNSI
Location : Arlington, Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia, Hybrid
Categories : Engineering, Research / Scientific

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 successful 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

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 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, expertise in digital communications, wireless systems, and radar platforms is sought. Experience with digital signal processing and software-defined radio technologies, with applications in military radar, tactical/public safety communications, electronic warfare, and satellite data-focused positions within the Intelligent Systems Division, is preferred. Candidates with experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, and statistical data analytics are also sought, with relevant experience in applying these tools to data problems such as time-series analysis, statistical forecasting, inference, and cyber detection. Additionally, expertise in cybersecurity, reverse engineering, provably secure computing, and security for embedded/industrial/control systems is valued, especially with a theoretical background in computing, formal methods, or cryptography.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen, ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
• Evidence of research excellence through academic or professional experience.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed venues.
• Proficiency with relevant research tools.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience in grant writing, serving as PI on research grants.
• Experience working with defense and intelligence sponsors.
• Effective collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.

Additional Details

• Overtime Status: Exempt
• Appointment Type: Restricted
• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Hours per week: 40
• Review Date: May 31, 2025
• Positions may be located in Blacksburg, VA, or Arlington, VA, depending on need.
• Must be US citizen with ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.
• Criminal conviction check required.

About Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim, and advances knowledge through a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach. It is a comprehensive land-grant institution with over 36,000 students and more than 280 majors. The university conducts over $500 million in research annually and has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia, and other research centers. Virginia Tech promotes professional development and shared governance and is committed to non-discrimination and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.