Research Scientist, GCCIS Department of Cybersecurity

Rochester Institute of Technology; Fort Lee (NJ); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology seeks a security research scholar to study open-source cryptographic software, identify and fix vulnerabilities, contribute upstream, and support sponsored projects. This is a soft-money, one-year appointment contingent on external funding.

The role involves analyzing cryptographic libraries (OpenSSL), patching and testing, and guiding graduate students. Strong Linux, C/assembly, and cryptography skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of relevant field of research
• Knowledge of scientific research theory and methods
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite and applicable research software
• Skill in scientific writing with attention to detail and precision
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report on complex data sets
• Ability to independently plan and execute research

Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts scientific research experiments using advanced knowledge of research field and theory
• Analyzes results and produces reports and figures for presentation and publication
• Writes manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and assists in grant writing
• Develops and delivers presentations of research results at conferences
• Participates in outreach activities involving tours, presentations, and open houses
• Engages in professional development to stay current on emerging research and technology in relevant field
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Linux CLI

C and assembly

Cryptography knowledge

OpenSSL familiarity

Git & PR workflow

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in related field

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Research software

Job description

Position Highlights

In this role, we expect a scholar to conduct security research on open-source cryptographic software. A successful candidate finds and fixes implementation vulnerabilities, contributes fixes upstream, and supports sponsored research. This is a soft-money position, where continuation depends on the candidate's ability to obtain external funding.

Key responsibilities

• Analyzes cryptographic library source code and protocol implementations for security defects. This includes both traditional defects but also side-channel vulnerabilities
• Develops patches and tests and follows the contributions through upstream code review to acceptance
• Handles security-sensitive findings under coordinated disclosure
• Contributes substantively to proposals for external funding
• Guides graduate students on sponsored projects

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency with Linux. (Particularly, command line and coreutils)
• Software engineering experience. (Particularly, C and assembly)
• Applied cryptography and side-channel analysis
• Familiarity with open-source cryptography libraries. (Particularly, OpenSSL)
• Open-source contribution workflow. (Particularly, git and pull requests)
• Research proposal writing for external sponsors

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD or equivalent doctorate in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• 1 year of relevant experience post-degree

This is a one year appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on available funding.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Designs and conducts scientific research experiments using advanced knowledge of research field and theory
• Analyzes results and produces reports and figures for presentation and publication
• Writes manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and assists in grant writing
• Develops and delivers presentations of research results at conferences
• Participates in outreach activities involving tours, presentations, and open houses
• Engages in professional development to stay current on emerging research and technology in relevant field
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of relevant field of research
• Knowledge of scientific research theory and methods
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite and applicable research software
• Skill in scientific writing with attention to detail and precision
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report on complex data sets
• Ability to independently plan and execute research

Minimum Education & Experience

• Master's degree in related field
• 3 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Compensation

$65,900.00 - $105,400.00 Annual

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail] . Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.