Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist - Secure AI Lab

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance

Generous retirement savings program

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Fitness center access

Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass

Job summary

A prestigious university in Pittsburgh is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist to conduct research on AI and ML algorithm vulnerabilities. This role involves hands-on research, solution development, and strategic collaboration to enhance AI security for government clients. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in machine learning, with strong communication and collaboration skills. This full-time position offers competitive benefits and requires on-site work five days a week.

Qualifications

• Experience in adversarial machine learning preferred, but not required.
• Ability to convey complex ideas in layperson's terms.
• Experience with publishing technical artifacts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead novel research in applied machine learning.
• Work with teams to turn research results into operational capabilities.
• Plan and develop an overall research strategy.

Skills

Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence

Research Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, machine learning, or related discipline

MS or PhD in relevant fields

Job description

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering questions related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.

As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning to provide leap-ahead mission capabilities, we

• build real-world, mission-scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems

• discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for robust, secure, scalable, and human-centered mission capabilities

• prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, and maintaining AI capabilities

• identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape

Are you creative, curious, energetic, collaborative, technology-focused, and hard-working? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team.

Overview

: As a Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist, you will specialize in conducting research into the vulnerabilities of AI and ML algorithms and securing against those vulnerabilities.

The Secure AI Lab within the SEI’s AI Division focuses on improving the security and robustness of AI systems. As part of the world-class research community at Carnegie Mellon University, the Secure AI Lab conducts and applies cutting-edge research to protect AI systems from adversaries who aim to manipulate the system to learn, do, or reveal something it isn’t supposed to.

The Secure AI Lab consists of machine learning research scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers who work together to solve problems in the following areas:

• Counter AI Research:

  Study threat models targeting AI and ML algorithms, understand the behaviors of AI algorithms, identify weak points, and design novel ways to subvert AI and ML systems.

• AI and ML Algorithm Defense Research:

  Create practical mitigations and defenses for observed attacks affecting AI and ML algorithms and evaluate the effectiveness of defensive techniques.

• Applied Adversarial Machine Learning:

  Advance the state of the art in adversarial machine learning by developing and transitioning capabilities to government sponsors.

Your day-to-day research tasks will include:

• Identifying and investigating emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.

• Performing and publishing impactful original research in the field of AI and ML algorithm vulnerabilities and securing against those vulnerabilities.

• Adapting and applying existing research in the field to solve real-world problems.

• Transitioning and providing guidance on AI capabilities to government sponsors.

*Duties:

• *Hands-on research:* You’ll conduct and lead novel research in applied machine learning and artificial intelligence.

• Solution development: You’ll work with and lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.

• Strategy: You’ll work with the leadership team and colleagues to plan, develop, and carry out an overall research strategy, and to influence the national research agenda regarding future technology.

• Collaboration: You'll actively participate on teams of software developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads. You'll build relationships and collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other stakeholders to understand challenges, needs, possible solutions, and research directions.

• Mentoring: You'll contribute to improving the overall technical capabilities of the Division by mentoring and teaching others, participating in design (software and otherwise) sessions, and sharing insights and wisdom across the SEIAIDivision.

Knowledge and Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of machine learning; previous experience in adversarial machine learning preferred but not required

• A track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods to solvedifficult problems

• Experience leading research projects in novel areas with limited previous work to build upon

• Ability to work with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver an overall research strategy

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas in layperson’s terms

• Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects

• Ample experience with publishing written or technical artefacts showcasing your work

• Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors

• Willingness to guide and mentor junior team members

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, machine learning, electrical engineering, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience

• Willingness to work onsite at an SEI facility 5 days per week.

• Be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html)

as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

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. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. 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!

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:

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If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

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For technical assistance, email HR Services ([e-mail]) or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services ([e-mail]) or call 412-268-3930.

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