Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist - Secure AI Lab

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University seeks a Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist to advance research in vulnerabilities of AI/ML algorithms and defenses. You will lead teams to develop prototype operational capabilities for government sponsors, balancing security, robustness, and scalability.

Requirements include a PhD with 5+ years or MS with 8+ years, on-site work 5 days/week, ability to obtain DoD clearance, and up to 25% travel to sponsor sites and CMU locations.

Qualifications

• PhD with relevant research experience or equivalent.
• Willingness to work on-site 5 days per week and travel.
• Ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead novel research in AI security and robustness.
• Translate research results into prototype capabilities for government customers.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and sponsors on strategy.

Skills

Machine learning

Adversarial ML

Research leadership

Written communication

Proposal writing

Education

PhD in CS/ML/EE

MS in CS/ML/EE

Bachelor in CS/EE/Math

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 toprovideleap-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, andmaintainingAI capabilities
• identifyand 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?

Overview: As a Senior Machine LearningResearch Scientist,you will specialize inconductingresearch into the vulnerabilities of AIandML algorithms and securing against those vulnerabilities.

The Secure AILab 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 AILab conducts and applies cutting‑edge research to protect AI systems from adversaries who aim to manipulate the system to learn, do, or revealsomething it isn’tsupposed to.

The Secure AILab 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 AIandML algorithms,understand the behaviors of AI algorithms,identifyweak points, and design novel ways to subvert AIandML systems.
• AIandMLAlgorithm DefenseResearch: Create practical mitigations and defenses for observed attacks affecting AIandML algorithms and evaluate the effectiveness of defensive techniques.
• AppliedAdversarial 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:

• Identifyingandinvestigating emerging AI and AI‑adjacent technologies.
• Performing andpublishing impactful original research in the field of AIandML algorithm vulnerabilities and securing against those vulnerabilities.
• Adapting andapplying existing research in the field to solve real‑world problems.
• Transitioning andprovidingguidance 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 SEI AI Division.

Knowledge andExperience

• 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 solve difficult 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 artifacts 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.

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.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance