Research Associate - ECE

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 61,800 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Systems Software Research Group seeks a Research Associate to advance program analysis and develop scalable tools for reasoning about binary security properties. The position is housed in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Blacksburg, VA.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s in CS or CE and show strong expertise in program analysis, fuzzing, sanitization, and related tools, with excellent communication and the ability to work with limited supervision.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science or computer engineering is required.
• Expertise in program analysis, fuzzing, sanitization, and related state-of-the-art tools.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in program analysis toward developing scalable tools for reasoning about binary security properties.
• Collaborate with the Systems Software Research Group and Virginia Tech colleagues on project goals.

Skills

Program analysis

Fuzzing

Sanitization

Communication

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in CS/CE

Tools

AFL++

ASan

UBSan

Job description

Job Description

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position with the Systems Software Research Group (http://www.ssrg.ece.vt.edu/) at Virginia Tech's Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The position involves conducting research in program analysis toward developing efficient and scalable tools for reasoning about binary security properties.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science or computer engineering
• Expertise in program analysis, fuzzing, sanitization, and their state‐of‐the‐art tools
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong expertise with fuzzing and sanitization tools such as AFL++, ASan, and UBSan
• Strong expertise with AI/ML systems and LLM tools

Other Job Details

• Overtime Status: Exempt – Not eligible for overtime
• Appointment Type: Restricted
• Salary Information: 61,800 – 75,000, commensurate with experience
• Hours per week: 40
• Review Date: June 1, 2026
• Additional Information: The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 Cole Tankersley at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.