Senior Data Scientist

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University seeks a senior data scientist to collaborate with government and industry clients on cybersecurity challenges. You will leverage advanced statistics, ML, and AI to research, prototype, and deliver final products, co-author research proposals, and present findings to sponsors and conferences.

The role spans generative AI, large language models, and AI system assurance, with opportunities to work with university faculty and

Qualifications

• PhD/MS/BS in data science, ML, CS, statistics or related quantitative field with experience
• Willingness to travel modestly to support SEI mission
• Background check and ability to obtain DoD security clearance

Skills

Predictive modeling

Statistical modeling

ML frameworks

Big data tools

Programming: Python/R/MATLAB

NLP/LLMs

Communication skills

Education

PhD in data science / related

MS in data science / related

BS in data science / related

Tools

R

Python (numpy/scipy/pandas/polars)

MATLAB

Spark

BigQuery

Databricks

SageMaker

Vertex AI

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Triton

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