Research Associate, Design of Experiments

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 both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VNTSI) serves dual missions of performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs and cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.

The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, is seeking a Research Associate in Design of Experiments to conduct research in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, and test and evaluation. This is a research and development position that is based in Arlington, Virginia. ISD brings together researchers from computer science, statistics, machine learning, networks, signals processing and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: statistics, systems engineering, operations research, data science, or computer science.

Specific responsibilities include the following:
- Support research conducted in ISD in projects focused on design of experiments, time series analyses, anomaly detection, natural language processing, test and evaluation, computer vision, cyber security, and systems engineering. This could include literature reviews, developing research hypotheses and tests, conducting exploratory data analysis, and performing numerical experiments.
- Produce and maintain software associated with ISD research projects.
- Contribute to technical documents/presentations and peer-reviewed academic papers.
- Provide mentorship to students working on programs.

• US citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• An earned Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Systems and Industrial Engineering, Operations Research or related discipline.
• Experience with design of experiments, response surface methods, test and evaluation, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, JMP or related statistical analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects.
• Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience.

• Experience working in an academic/research environment
• Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government
• Interest and/or experience working effectively with faculty, staff and student population

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Salary Commensurate with Experience

40

4/14/2025

US citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is a requirement.

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.

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