Research Associate Sr Research Associate Hume/CCI Artificial Intelligence Assurance

The Hume Center for National Security and Technology seeks applications for a research faculty position in the research portfolio of Artificial Intelligence Assurance.  Specific focus areas include computer science, statistics, data science, machine learning, and psychology.  Appointment at the rank of research associate and senior research associate are possible depending on experience.  Requirements include a M.S. or Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, psychology or a closely related field or comparable experience.  The research focus of this position supports the Artificial Intelligence Assurance research thrust under CCI. Focus areas may include: machine learning, artificial intelligence, cyber analytics, cyber-physical system (CPS) security, security of artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML), test and evaluation of ML/AI, ML/AI Trust, ML/AI Quality.

This position is based in Northern Virginia and part of the Hume Center’s Intelligent Systems Lab. The Hume Center for National Security and Technology at Virginia Tech is a university-level research center that reports to the Vice President of Research and Innovation. Its mission is to cultivate the next generation of national security leaders by developing and executing curricular, extracurricular, and research opportunities to engage students. One of the fastest growing research centers at VT, sponsors and collaborators benefit from both highly-experienced student talent and senior technical leadership that address some of our nation’s greatest security challenges. The Hume team executes research on behalf of a range of national security research sponsors, including Government agencies and industry.

The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with existing Virginia Tech faculty in both Northern Virginia and Blacksburg with wide-ranging expertise. Additionally, this candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Discovery Analytics Center (dac.cs.vt.edu) and the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (https://cyberinitiative.org/) which is currently operating a number of large-scale research programs in cybersecurity and related fields with industry and government partners.

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 in proposal teams and supporting the business development activities; and (4) provide mentorship to students and junior researchers working on programs; and Senior Research Associates: (5) leading program development efforts and serving as principal investigator on research efforts; and (6) serve in a supervisory capacity for students and junior researchers.

An earned M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Psychology or a closely related field or commensurate experience; demonstrated excellence in research or evidence of high potential for such excellence; ability to articulate a coherent agenda of research or scholarship and to identify potential funding sources to support such research activities; effective communication skills.

Prior experience in the role of PI or Co-PI on funded research projects; ability and willingness 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.

Commensurate with experience.

December 2, 2019, however review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.