Careers at Virginia Tech

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.

Motivated applicants are sought to join VT NSI as Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor in Statistics or Data Science to support rapid growth in our body of programs in data strategies, test and evaluation, artificial intelligence assurance, digital engineering, and cyber analytics and operations. Rank will be determined based upon experience and credentials. The winning candidates can expect highly competitive salary and benefits in a university setting. This position serves as a research staff member of the Hume Center and in the Intelligent Systems Division (ISD). ISD hosts a range of dynamic research projects and the successful applicant will have the ability to contribute to these programs, lead the development of new programs, and mentor students engaged in these programs.

Specific responsibilities include the following: (1) support the execution of university sponsored programs by conducting research and development; (2) author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed academic papers; (3) support the development of new funded research programs by participating on proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of VT NSI; (4) mentor students engaged in experiential learning programs; (5) advise graduate students pursuing advanced degrees; and (6) occasionally teach courses (optional).

We are seeking individuals with expertise in applied statistics and data science to include at a minimum some of the following: experimental design, survey sampling, control charts, and Bayesian models (hierarchical and Gaussian Process). Successful applicants will have experience applying these statistical methods to complex organization and/or system technologies. Experience using machine learning and artificial intelligence (for example neural networks and Markov decision processes) in detection, classification, forecasting, and control is desired, but not required.

• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• An earned Doctorate degree in Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, Physics, or related discipline.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.
• Scholarship and funding credentials that support the rank of either research assistant professor, research associate professor, or research professor.
• Demonstrated mastery of ones’ field of study through publication of relevant research in peer-reviewed academic venues appropriate to the discipline.
• Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.

• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level.
• Experience writing grant and contract proposals.
• Experience serving as principal investigator on research grants and contracts (required for rank of research associate professor or research professor).
• Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population.
• Experience conducting research programs supporting defense and intelligence sponsors.

Restricted

120,000 - 225,000

8/30/2024

This recruitment is to fill multiple positions that will be anchored at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute on either the Blacksburg or Arlington, VA campuses. Given the nature of our work, all candidates must be U.S. citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. The review of applications will begin August 16, 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.