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

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.