Strategic Cyber Operations Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Retirement contributions (8% of salary

Paid parental and military leave

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Bus pass

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University's CERT Security Operations team is seeking a Cybersecurity Operations Researcher to advance national and international security operations capabilities. You will conduct analytical studies, engage with multidisciplinary teams, and brief leadership on strategic topics.

The role emphasizes developing and prototyping methods for evaluating mission success, collaboration with sponsors, and delivering technical documentation.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40% annually) in support of the SEI mission.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
• Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working within or in collaboration with a national Incident Response or Security Operations organization.
• Technical proficiency with modern computing hardware, software, and networking technologies.
• Experience conducting research and publishing academic or technical papers.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity metrics, measurement, and assessment methodologies.
• Participation in public forums such as standards bodies, open-source projects, or professional publications.
• Preferred certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams of varying experience levels.
• Apply a strong understanding of enterprise cybersecurity and technology security challenges.
• Utilize knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including leading commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms.
• Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials.
• Analyze current operational challenges and evolving threats facing network security and intelligence organizations.
• Apply project planning and management methodologies to support program execution.
• Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism.
• Produce clear, well-structured technical documentation that translates complex processes for diverse audiences (writing sample may be requested).
• Team Deliverables Include technical publications, industry and government conference presentations, course development and delivery, direct customer engagement, prototype tools and methodologies.

Education

BS in Computer Science or related discipline

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University's CERT Security Operations team is seeking a Cybersecurity Operations Researcher to advance national and international security operations capabilities. You will conduct analytical studies, engage with multidisciplinary teams, and brief leadership on strategic topics.

The role emphasizes developing and prototyping methods for evaluating mission success, collaboration with sponsors, and delivering technical documentation.