Research Associate, Data Science

Virginia Tech; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute seeks a Research Associate in Data Science to advance AI and systems engineering through cutting‑edge research. The role may be based in Arlington, VA, working with ISD to tackle statistics, data science, computer science, and T&E challenges.

Requirements include a Master’s in a quantitative field or equivalent experience, strong AI/ML skills, Python/MATLAB/R, and US citizenship with ability to obtain a clearance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline; or a Bachelor's with 3+ years post‑degree experience.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Experience with common ML software packages such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, JMP or related statistical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team on research/development projects.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development.
• US citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support ISD research on experiments, time series, anomaly detection, NLP, data infrastructure, and T&E.
• Contribute to technical documents, presentations, and peer‑reviewed papers.
• Mentor students on programs.

Skills

Artificial intelligence

Machine learning

Python

MATLAB

R

Teamwork

Research ability

Security clearance

Education

Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline

Bachelor's degree with 3+ years post‑degree relevant experience

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Hugging Face

Job description

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development.

With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VNTSI) serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of War and Intelligence Community programs and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.

The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, is seeking a Research Associate in Data Science to conduct research in artificial intelligence, systems engineering and test and evaluation (T&E). This is a research and development position that may be based in Arlington, Virginia. ISD brings together researchers from computer science, statistics, machine learning, networks, signals processing and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting‑edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: statistics, systems engineering, data science, computer science, software development, and T&E.

Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Support research conducted in ISD in projects focused on design of experiments, time series analyses, anomaly detection, natural language processing, large scale data infrastructure, and test and evaluation, computer vision, cyber security, systems engineering, and T&E
• Contribute to technical documents/presentations and peer‑reviewed academic papers
• Provide mentorship to students working on programs

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related discipline; or an earned Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3 years post‑degree relevant experience in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics or relevant discipline.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Experience with common machine learning software packages such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, JMP or related statistical analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• US citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance.
• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Experience with the T&E of AI‑enabled systems.
• Proficiency with generative artificial intelligence such as large language models.
• Experience with software development.
• Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government.
• Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$100,000 - $150,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 14, 2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with 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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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 Alex Tuuri at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.