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 (VTNSI) 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 VTNSI as Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor in Cyber Security to support rapid growth in our body of programs in cyber security, cyber analytics, and cyber operations. Rank will be determined based upon experience and credentials. 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. ISD is a leader in research and development in three core capabilities: 1) AI Applications, 2) AI Assurance, and 3) AI and Digitial Engineering.

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 VTNSI; (4) support the development and growth of the future national security workforce through student mentoring and advisement, and workforce training and education.

We are seeking individuals with expertise in cyber security, cyber operations, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science. Successful applicants will have experience applying these methods to complex organization and/or system technologies.

- Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Active security clearance with the ability to maintain the clearance.
- An earned Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience with cyber security and cyber operations (including software, AI/ML, or autonomy).
- 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 TS/SCI security clearance.
- Proficiency in cyber security and cyber test (including software, AI/ML, or autonomy), network and penetration testing, malware analysis, or red teaming.
- Experience with cryptography or software reverse engineering.
- Proficiency in testing AI-enabled systems (including benchmarking, prompting, narratives, AI use in human workflows) and agentic AI (including assessing behavior and security, autonomous use of AI).
- Experience in policy, risk assessment, or risk management frameworks (RMF) for systems testing.
- Experience writing grant and contract proposals.
- Experience serving as principal investigator on research grants and contracts.
- Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population.
- Experience conducting research programs supporting defense and intelligence sponsors.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$150,000 - $260,000, commensurate with experience and rank at hire

• Research Assistant Professor $150-$180k
• Research Associate Professor $180-$220k
• Research Professor $220-$260k

Hours per week

40

November 30, 2026

Positions will be located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA.  Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with an active security clearance.

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.