Senior AI Security Researcher — Build Secure AI Systems

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Public transit benefit

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI CERT Division in Pittsburgh seeks an AI Security Researcher to advance AI robustness and security. You will co-author proposals, run studies, and present findings to DoW sponsors and academic conferences, collaborating with AI and cybersecurity experts.

Travel is possible (≈5%), and a DoW security clearance is required. The role offers access to leading researchers, state-of-the-art tools, and opportunities to influence national AI security strategy.

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS in ML, cybersecurity, statistics, or related field with corresponding years of experience.
• Strong interest in AI/ML and cybersecurity with impact-focused mindset.
• Practical experience in vulnerability research, analysis, disclosure, or mitigation.
• Experience advising on security topics based on research and expert opinion.
• Familiarity with AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g., Numpy, PyTorch, TensorFlow, ART).
• Knowledge of reverse engineering tools (e.g., NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro).
• Experience with Python, C/C++, or low-level programming.
• Ability to develop frameworks and methodologies to evaluate technology robustness.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art approaches for analyzing robustness of AI systems.
• Study vulnerabilities in AI systems and how attackers adapt tradecraft.
• Reverse engineer malicious code to support high-impact customers and develop new tools.
• Publish results and contribute to AI security ecosystems and policy discussions.
• Evaluate tools and processes from industry and research communities.
• Contribute to national AI security strategy through research and collaboration.
• Travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and team meetings (≈5%).

Skills

AI/ML knowledge

Cybersecurity expertise

Technical mentoring

Communication skills

Vulnerability research

Python

C/C++

Education

PhD in ML or cybersecurity

MS in ML or cybersecurity

BS in ML or cybersecurity

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Python

Numpy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI CERT Division in Pittsburgh seeks an AI Security Researcher to advance AI robustness and security. You will co-author proposals, run studies, and present findings to DoW sponsors and academic conferences, collaborating with AI and cybersecurity experts.

Travel is possible (≈5%), and a DoW security clearance is required. The role offers access to leading researchers, state-of-the-art tools, and opportunities to influence national AI security strategy.