Senior Computational Analytics Researcher — AI for Security

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's National Security Data and Policy Institute seeks a Computational Analytics Researcher to lead applied research addressing national security challenges using AI, data science, ML, and policy analysis. The role involves cross-disciplinary teamwork, publishing results, and transitioning research into operational capabilities.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of relevant experience, strong Python and ML skills, and the ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MS or PhD strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in computational analytics or data science.
• Experience with Python and modern software engineering practices; ability to handle large datasets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct sponsored research in computational analytics, AI, and data science.
• Develop novel analytical methodologies using ML, LLMs, statistical modeling, and optimization.
• Design, implement, and evaluate software prototypes and decision-support tools.
• Integrate structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data from multiple sources to support complex analytic workflows.
• Develop scalable data processing pipelines and analytic frameworks for government-sponsored research.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to incorporate new methods.
• Document research findings through technical reports, publications, and sponsor briefings.
• Support the development of new research initiatives aligned with Institute priorities.
• Participate in proposal development, technical volume preparation, and research planning.
• Engage with federal sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to identify new opportunities.
• Assist with project planning, milestone tracking, and technical execution across multiple research efforts.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, software developers, and subject matter experts across disciplines.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support professional development within the team.
• Represent NSDPI at technical meetings, workshops, conferences, and sponsor engagements.
• Support institute seminars, technical exchanges, and strategic planning activities.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Data analysis

Software development

Education

Bachelor's degree

MS or PhD preferred

Job description

The University of Virginia's National Security Data and Policy Institute seeks a Computational Analytics Researcher to lead applied research addressing national security challenges using AI, data science, ML, and policy analysis. The role involves cross-disciplinary teamwork, publishing results, and transitioning research into operational capabilities.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of relevant experience, strong Python and ML skills, and the ability to obtain security clearance.