Director of Research
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Job no: 536351
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: Commonwealth Cyber Initiative
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Executive / Director / Management, Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific
About CCI:
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginia’s central hub for cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development where cutting-edge ideas take shape, talent pipelines are built, and cross-sector collaboration drives real-world impact. CCI brings together researchers, students, industry leaders, and public partners to advance cybersecurity at the intersection of autonomous systems and intelligence.
With a vision to position Virginia as a global center of excellence in cybersecurity, CCI leverages the Commonwealth’s exceptional research institutions, diverse higher education system, vibrant startup ecosystem, and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.
About the position:
CCI is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Research to provide strategic leadership for the research portfolio of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), an academic organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity research, innovation, and workforce development. The Director of Research is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with CCI’s mission and advances its national and international impact.
The Director will be expect to:
- Lead efforts to administer internal research programs and expand externally funded research, cultivate relationships with government agencies and industry partners, and strengthen interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration.
- Mentor and supervise research faculty while ensuring the successful development, execution, and management of research programs.
- Oversee integrity and compliance of research administration activities, ensuring that all pre-award and post-award grant management processes align with applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
- Serve in a critical role in advancing CCI’s research mission by shaping its strategic direction, expanding its funded research portfolio, and supporting the success of its faculty and research programs.
- Identify and secure research funding to support own research initiatives.
- Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of cybersecurity research in Virginia and beyond through strong leadership and external engagement.
• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, engineering, public policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated progressively advanced experience in academic or applied research leadership.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research projects.
• Established track record of impactful academic publication and/or intellectual property creation.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity policy, emerging technologies, and national security challenges.
• Experience supervising or mentoring research faculty and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of research administration, including pre-award and post-award processes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience managing federally funded research programs (e.g., NSF, DoD, DHS, DOE, or similar agencies).
• Experience leading large collaborative or multi-institutional research initiatives.
• Experience working within academic research centers or institutes.
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Starting at $200,000; commensurate with experience
This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. A hybrid work arrangement may be offered that would include designated weekly office hours, and such a schedule will be confirmed following onboarding/training and aligned with business needs.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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