Research Scientist

Job Description

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 the Institute as Research Faculty in the Aerospace and Ocean Systems lab to support rapid growth in our body of programs in resilient C4ISR Missions, Signals Intelligence & Cyber Operations and Autonomy and Orchestration. The successful candidates can expect highly competitive salary and benefits in a university setting.

This position is focused on individuals with experience in satellite systems, autonomous control, space domain awareness, and system optimization and orchestration. The successful applicant will have technical expertise in designing, building, testing, and flying experimental spacecraft. Experience with academia and the Intelligence Community and/or DOD is desired. Specific experience using STK, MATLAB, FEA, and spacecraft thermal analysis software packages is also desired. Primary areas of interest are Space Situational Awareness, SmallSats/Cubesats/“swarming”, and Resiliency. Additionally, previous experience in any of the following areas is highly desirable: Space electric propulsion, Spacecraft structures and mechanisms, Space power electronics, Novel spacecraft materials/additive manufacturing/3D printing, Spacecraft thermal management, Remote sensing payloads, or New integrated spacecraft electronics development and manufacturing.

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 the Hume Center; and
(4) provide mentorship to students and junior researchers working on programs.

Required Qualifications

- An earned Doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related discipline with relevant experience
-Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience
- Experience with conducting research and development
- Proficiency with the tools germane to field of research
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects
- Position restricted to US Citizens only due to the nature of the work
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

- Interest and/or experience in working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population
- Experience working in an academic environment
- Experience conducting research programs supporting the federal government
- Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Review Date

March 31, 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 Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 7, 2022
Applications close: