Defense Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant Professor, ISD
Job no: 537474
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: VTNSI
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific
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 (VTNSI) 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 VTNSI as Research Assistant Professor to support rapid growth in our body of programs in data strategies, test and evaluation, artificial intelligence assurance, digital engineering, and cyber analytics and operations. This position serves as a research faculty member of the Hume Center and in the Intelligent Systems Division (ISD). ISD hosts 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. ISD is a leader in research and development in three core capabilities: 1) secure and resilient systems, 2) engineering, test, and evaluation of AI systems, and 3) integrated data and decision systems.
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 on proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of VTNSI; (4) support the development and growth of the future national security workforce through student mentoring and advisement, and workforce training and education.
We are seeking individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, test and evaluation, mathematics, statistics, cyber security, AI security/assurance, human machine teaming, autonomy, and/or digital engineering. Successful applicants will have experience applying these methods to complex organization and/or system technologies.
Required Qualifications
• An earned Doctorate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Psychology, or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing upon research projects.
• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirement from the federal sponsor, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen.
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.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$150K-190K; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
September 14, 2026
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 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.
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, ethnicity or 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 Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 27, 2026
Applications close:
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