Open Rank Research Asst/Assoc/Full Research Professor in Cybersecurity

Job Description

Virginia Tech welcomes applications and nominations for a research faculty position for the ranks of Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor in cybersecurity. The candidate should have expertise in blockchain and/or the intersection of artificial intelligence and security. The successful candidate(s) will serve as a key contributor to the state-wide Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI). Virginia is uniquely positioned to demonstrate global leadership in cybersecurity. The rank will be determined based on the applicant’s credentials and experience. The Commonwealth’s strengths include an unrivaled density of IT talent, industry, and venture capital, creating a highly fertile environment for innovation and tech-based economic growth.

Successful candidates must have expertise in network security. Interest and experience in experimental research are desirable. CCI has designed and deployed an xG testbed with unique capabilities to explore cybersecurity issues in next generation networks and artificial intelligence assurance.

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is a state-funded $17.5M/year effort calling on higher education institutions and industry to build an ecosystem of cyber-related research, innovation, and workforce development in Virginia.

CCI is creating a Commonwealth-wide ecosystem of innovation excellence in cybersecurity, ensuring that Virginia is recognized as a global leader in in this field for decades to come by supporting world-class research at the intersection of security, autonomy, and intelligence; promoting technology commercialization and entrepreneurship; and preparing future generations of innovators and research leaders. CCI builds on Virginia’s strong base of research excellence, innovative and diverse higher education system, vibrant ecosystem of venture capital investment and high-growth firms, and unparalleled density of cybersecurity talent.

For a detailed description of CCI’s vision and activities, please refer to the CCI webpage at cyberinitiative.org.

The research faculty member will possess a thorough understanding of network security and will have a strong publication record in high impact journal and highly selective conferences. This position requires that the faculty member maintain a strong active security research program, in collaboration with researchers from Virginia Tech and from other academic institutions in the CCI consortium. The faculty member is expected to network and write proposals and whitepapers to solicit funding to support their ongoing research portfolio, preferably in collaboration with other CCI researchers. As a critical member of the research team, this position may be expected to contribute to sponsored research programs as either Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator. This position will report to the Executive Director of CCI.

The ideal candidate for the research faculty role will excel in collaborative team environments, possess a strong mix of experimental and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical ideas.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field
• Peer-reviewed research and publication record in network security, in particular in the areas of blockchain and/or at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security
• Research vision for key challenges in the areas of blockchain and/or at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security
• Ability to serve as supervisor and instruct undergraduate, graduate students and junior researchers
• Strong communication skills and experience giving professional presentations at academic conferences and to potential sponsors
• Interest in innovation and workforce development programs in cybersecurity
• For the ranks of Research Associate Professor and Research Professor, additional required qualifications include track record in obtaining research funding, serving as Principal Investigator of research projects, and supervising junior researchers and/or graduate students

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods, in particular as applied to cybersecurity
• Experience collaborating with industry and government agencies

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with research rank and experience

Review Date

September 13, 2022

Additional Information

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 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 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, 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.

Advertised: August 16, 2022
Applications close: