Research Professor Open Rank

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 to support rapid growth in our body of programs in resilient C4ISR Missions, Signals Intelligence & Cyber Operations and Autonomy and Orchestration. 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, within one of its three research laboratories: Aerospace Systems Division, Information Systems Division, or Electronic Systems Division. These divisions host 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 in and 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.

For positions within the Spectrum Dominance division, individuals with expertise in digital communications, wireless systems, and radar platforms are sought. Successful applicants will have experience with digital signal processing and software-defined radio technologies, with applications in military radar, tactical/public safety communications, electronic warfare, and/or satellite communications.

For data-focused positions within the Intelligent Systems Division, individuals with experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, and statistical data analytics are sought. Successful applicants will have experience applying these tools to a range of data problems, such as time-series analysis, statistical forecasting and inference, and detection/classification.

For cyber-focused positions within the Intelligent Systems Division, individuals with experience in cybersecurity, hardware/software reverse engineering, provably secure computing, and security for embedded/industrial/control systems and networks are sought. Successful applicants will have a mixture of theoretical foundations in areas such as the theory of computing, formal methods, or cryptography; paired with hands-on experience working with real-world security issues.

For positions within the Aerospace and Ocean Systems Division, individuals with experience in satellite systems, autonomous control, space domain awareness, physics-based modeling, undersea system and platform, and system optimization and orchestration are sought. The successful applicant will have technical expertise in designing, building, testing, and flying experimental spacecraft.

Required qualifications:*-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 Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science, 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; and

- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.

Preferred qualifications:- Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level;

- 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; and

- Experience conducting research programs supporting defense and intelligence sponsors.