Job Description

Job Description

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.

The Senior Research Associate for Systems and Digital Engineering is a leadership, research, and programmatic development position that may be based in Blacksburg or Arlington, Virginia and is part of the NSI’s Intelligent Systems Division (ISD). ISD brings together researchers from computer science, statistics, machine learning, systems engineering and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant, multi-disciplinary experience in two or more of the following areas related to information warfare: information operations, cyber operations, electronic warfare operations, non-kinetic targeting, human factors engineering, and decision science; or DoD acquisition to include research, development, test and evaluation.

Specific responsibilities include the following:
(1) Support leadership and execution of NSI Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) and Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) projects to further the advancement of Digital Engineering practices.
(2) Engage with Virginia Tech internal and external partners to advance NSI’s contribution to digital engineering methods across the defense industry. Collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners to shape the future of digital acquisition.
(3) Consult on NSI proposal developments and technology roadmaps in support of continued and future technology research in all Systems Engineering methods for total product lifecycle management.
(4) Engage with undergraduate and graduate student development and training for the furtherance of practical interdisciplinary experience in the national security domain.

Required Qualifications

• An earned PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Psychology or a closely related field; or an earned Masters in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Psychology or a closely related field with significant related experience
• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Demonstrated excellence in acquisition and systems engineering processes or evidence of high potential for such excellence
• Demonstrated experience in model based systems engineering and related systems and digital engineering tools
• Effective communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Active security clearance
• Prior experience in the role of PI and/or senior leader on funded projects and the ability lead large teams in project execution
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty from a variety of disciplines
• Experience in working with students including overseeing student internships or service-learning activities
• Interest or experience in mentoring students, both undergraduate or graduate, in research
• Interest or experience working effectively with a diverse student population