Entry Level Cognitive Science Research Jobs Near Me

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
We are currently seeking an early career Cyber Research Scientist. This position is an onsite, full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH.
Battelle's Cyber Mission Assurance (CMA) portfolio is responsible for ideating, developing, and deploying advanced technical solutions to solve complex national security and cyber threat intelligence challenges. Our elite, multidisciplinary team brings together the brightest minds from physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to develop unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers.
We work in small, agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology, supported by high-powered labs with specialized software and hardware. We encourage new ideas through our Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, reward inventors through an industry-leading IP compensation program and collaborate broadly across Battelle on projects ranging from genomics to robotics.
Responsibilities
As a Cyber Research Scientist - Entry Level, you will support senior researchers, intelligence analysts, and cybersecurity engineers in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting open-source information to advance national security missions. Responsibilities may include:

• Conduct open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis related to cyber threats, emerging technologies, and adversary activity
• Support technical analysis of cyber vulnerabilities, exploits, malware reporting, and threat activity identified in open-source environments
• Assist in developing scripts and automation tools to support OSINT data collection, parsing, and analysis
• Support the development of automated tools and scripts that ingest, translate, and analyze foreign-language OSINT data
• Utilize cybersecurity tools to perform basic network reconnaissance, scanning, and traffic analysis
• Collect and organize information from open-source environments including technical publications, research databases, code repositories, forums, and social media platforms
• Assist in translating and analyzing foreign-language open-source materials related to cyber or technology topics using translation tools or language resources
• Assist senior staff in developing OSINT methodologies, research workflows, and data analysis pipelines
• Produce written summaries, research notes, and analytical reports for internal teams and client deliverables
• Maintain effective communication with team members in fast-paced research environments
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while developing independent research and analytical skills

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Intelligence Studies, Data Science, or a related technical field
• 0-2 years of experience in cybersecurity, OSINT research, cyber threat intelligence, or related analytical or technical roles; internships, research projects, or academic experience are acceptable
• Familiarity with collecting and analyzing open-source information from technical publications, online platforms, or public datasets
• Basic programming or scripting experience in at least one language, including Python, Bash, PowerShell, C, or C++
• Familiarity with writing simple scripts to automate tasks such as data parsing, log analysis, or OSINT collection
• Basic understanding of Linux and Windows operating system environments
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, ports, and protocols
• Exposure to cybersecurity tools such as Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, or similar platforms through coursework, labs, or internships
• Understanding of core cybersecurity principles including the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability), least privilege, and defense-in-depth
• Strong analytical thinking, research skills, and written communication abilities
• Willingness to travel up to 10%
• Must be a sole US citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, research experience, or academic projects related to cybersecurity, OSINT, cyber threat intelligence, or data analysis
• Familiarity with network traffic analysis, packet capture tools, or basic intrusion detection concepts
• Foundational knowledge of computer architecture concepts including CPU execution, memory, and process management
• Basic familiarity with cryptographic concepts such as hashing, encryption, TLS/HTTPS, and PKI
• Knowledge of web technologies including HTTP, REST APIs, HTML, and JavaScript basics
• Awareness of common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and authentication flaws
• Exposure to digital forensics concepts including disk imaging, log analysis, memory analysis, or timeline reconstruction
• Familiarity with digital forensic tools such as Autopsy, Volatility, or Sleuth Kit through coursework or labs
• Experience with data analysis tools or programming environments used for research and visualization
• Familiarity with developing or integrating automated translation workflows for multilingual OSINT data using scripting languages (e.g., Python) and APIs
• Experience analyzing or translating foreign-language technical materials such as scientific publications, cyber threat discussions, or technical forums
• Knowledge of basic natural language processing (NLP) or multilingual text processing techniques
• Experience using virtualization tools such as VMware, VirtualBox, or Docker to build cybersecurity lab environments
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Critical Security Controls, or ISO 27001
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, Network+, CEH (in progress), or other entry-level cybersecurity certifications

Salary Range
Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $75,000-$105,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers