Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor (Open Rank)

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute is the newest of three Thematic Research Institutes at Virginia Tech (the other two being the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute). Thematic institutes at Virginia Tech pursue and execute sponsored research and experiential learning programs, and they have deep relationships with sponsors, unique research facilities, and unique talent (typically research faculty). The NSI’s mission is to perform interdisciplinary research and provide experiential learning in Blacksburg and the greater Washington DC metropolitan area to strengthen technology, standards, public policy, and the National Security Innovation Base. The objectives of the NSI includes: cultivation of a vibrant ecosystem of industry, government, and academic partners to transition research, knowledge, and talent into sustainable capabilities; and development of the next generation of leaders to strengthen the National Security workforce. The nucleus of the NSI is built around the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, the Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation, and the School for Public and International Affairs. However, it is expected that the NSI broaden its reach across the unique array of academic disciplines at Virginia Tech that can strength the instruments of National Power; diplomacy, information, military, and economy.

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 Electronic Systems 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 and the 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.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

November 5, 2021

Additional Information

Hiring for multiple positions at the research assistant professor, research associate professor and research professor ranks in either Virginia Tech's Blacksburg, VA and Arlington, VA locations.

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 Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 19, 2021
Applications close: