Senior Data Scientist

Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI invites experienced data scientists to apply their expertise in data analytics, ML, and AI to government and industry cybersecurity challenges. You will partner with customers, researchers, and faculty to design prototype solutions and deliver final products that advance national cybersecurity strategy.

The role emphasizes independent problem solving, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and contributing to proposals, studies, and conference presentations.

Qualifications

• BS in data science, ML, CS, statistics, or related highly‑quantitative discipline with 10 years of experience; or MS with 8 years; or PhD with 5 years.
• Willingness to travel modestly to support SEI’s mission.
• Background check and ability to obtain U.S. DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can help tackle problems; plan and develop prototype solutions and build final products.
• Co‑author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to sponsors and academic conferences.
• Work with customers to apply data science solutions to cybersecurity challenges.
• Contribute to research and development of new technologies influencing national cybersecurity strategy.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Data science

AI & machine learning

Statistical modeling

Programming

Communication

Model deployment

Big data

Cybersecurity familiarity

Education

BS/MS/PhD in data science, ML, CS, statistics or related quantitative field

Tools

Python (numpy/scipy/pandas)

R

MATLAB

LightGBM/XGBoost

PyTorch/TensorFlow

Spark/BigQuery/Databricks

Job description

What We Do

Data Scientists at the SEI use advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help our government and industry clients research and solve cybersecurity challenges. In this role, you will work with our customers to identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can help tackle problems, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build out final products. You’ll get a chance to work with elite cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national cybersecurity strategy for decades to come. You will co‑author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to DoW sponsors and at academic conferences.

Additional Projects

Our team works on a wide range of projects. Current work includes research in generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and the assurance of AI systems. We also craft metrics and experimental designs for large‑scale cybersecurity research programs, develop human‑in‑the‑loop machine learning solutions, and build classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities. If you are a data science or statistics expert with an interest in cybersecurity, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

• BS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly‑quantitative discipline with ten (10) years of experience or equivalent combination of training or experience; or MS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly‑quantitative discipline with eight (8) years of experience; or PhD in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly‑quantitative discipline with five (5) years of experience.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission.
• You will be subject to a background check and must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learning.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
• Proficient with at least one mathematical/statistical programming package (e.g., R, Python numpy/scipy/pandas/polars, MATLAB, etc.).
• Innovative and inquisitive with the ability to imagine novel analytical solutions to problems; thrives in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Recommendation systems.
  • Time‑series forecasting (Prophet, NeuralProphet, Chronos, Lag‑Llama, etc.).
  • NLP / LLMs (fine‑tuning, RAG, evaluation, prompt engineering).
  • Causal inference / uplift modeling / synthetic controls.
  • Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow.
  • LLMs / agentic workflows (LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack).
  • Experience deploying models (FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar).
  • Experience working with big data (Spark, Trino, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks).

Desired Experience

• Experience in cybersecurity and privacy.
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs, and National Labs.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work.

Benefits

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Eligible employees enjoy comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Tuition benefits, ample paid time off and observed holidays, and life and accidental death and disability insurance are also available.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more! Visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive overview.

Closing

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization? Apply today!

Job Information

Location: Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function: Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type: Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time: Full time

Pay Basis: Salary

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance