Senior Data Scientist

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

Job summary

Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a senior data scientist to advance cybersecurity research through advanced statistics, data analytics, and machine learning. You will collaborate with government and industry sponsors, co-author proposals, and develop prototype solutions and final products.

The role involves working on generative AI, NLP/LLMs, time-series, and big data projects with travel to sites and a background clearance.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in a quantitative field with the specified experience.
• Ability to travel modestly to support SEI’s mission.
• Background check and ability to obtain U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can help tackle cybersecurity problems.
• Plan and develop prototype solutions and final products.
• Co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to sponsors and conferences.
• Collaborate with DoW sponsors and university faculty.

Skills

Predictive modelling

Data science

AI & machine learning

Statistical modelling

Programming: R, Python

Big data tooling

Model deployment

NLP / LLMs

Education

PhD in data science / ML / CS / statistics

MS in data science / ML / CS / statistics

BS in data science / ML / CS / statistics

Tools

R

Python (numpy/scipy/pandas/polars)

MATLAB

LightGBM/XGBoost

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Spark

BigQuery

SageMaker

Vertex AI

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.

Our team works on a wide range of projects. Our current work includes research in generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and assurance of AI systems. Additionally, we 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 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 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 is a plus is a plus
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs an National Labs is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work

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