Open Rank Research Faculty Position in Cybersecurity

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 the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) 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 demonstrated expertise in security and in artificial intelligence. Their research expertise and interests must align with topics in cybersecurity for AI and/or AI for cybersecurity.

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is a state-funded $17.5M/year effort bringing together 46 higher education institutions to build an ecosystem of cyber-related research, innovation, and workforce development in Virginia. Extramural funding brings the total CCI research effort to over $130M/year.

CCI focuses on fostering a Commonwealth-wide ecosystem of innovation excellence in cybersecurity, ensuring that Virginia is recognized as a global leader 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 have a strong publication record in high impact journals 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 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 have the ability to communicate complex technical ideas.

This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement within a commutable distance to Arlington to support a weekly in-office presence. Depending on business needs, travel may be necessary to support collaborative initiatives.

- A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- Peer-reviewed research and publication record at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security
- Ability to obtain research funding from government agencies, the private sector, and/or philanthropic organizations
- Research vision for key challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and security
- Ability to serve as supervisor and instruct undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdocs
- 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 a track record in obtaining research funding, serving as Principal Investigator of research projects, and supervising junior researchers and/or graduate students

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

Restricted

Commensurate with rank and experience

March 7, 2025

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 endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.