Director of Research and Development, Center for Geospatial Information Technology

Job Description The Director of Research and Development for CGIT will lead interdisciplinary, applied research at the intersection of geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, and national security. The director will expand Virginia Tech’s research portfolio in environmental intelligence by linking forest and watershed science with mission‑critical needs related to defense, infrastructure resilience, and hazard preparedness. The director will serve as a member of both the CGIT and NSI leadership teams and will be responsible for building collaborative funded research programs that integrate Virginia Tech’s expertise in AI and machine learning, geospatial data science, and environmental modeling within secure and operational environments. A central responsibility is the development of a diversified, sustainable research‑funding portfolio that includes federal, state, industry, and foundation partners. Following an initial three‑year start‑up period, the director is expected to sustain the position through externally supported research, contracts, and partnerships, consistent with the mission of CGIT and NSI. Appointment will include a research professorial rank (e.g., research assistant professor, research associate, professor, or research professor) to be confirmed upon hire. For qualified candidates, a tenure‑track or tenured appointment may be made in an appropriate academic department. Final rank will be determined at the time of offer. Key Mission Areas Operational Geospatial Intelligence for Natural Systems Develop shared data and decision platforms integrating satellite, aerial, and in‑situ sensor data for forests, watersheds, and coastal systems vulnerable to extreme weather. Deploy AI and machine learning analytics for early detection of risk, including wildfire, flooding, wind damage, and debris flows. Deliver real‑time dashboards and situational‑awareness briefings to agency partners. Critical Infrastructure and Installation Resilience Opportunities Map vulnerabilities of military installations, energy corridors, and transportation networks that depend on upstream forest resilience and sustainable water management. Align data streams with national readiness and resilience frameworks through NSI’s defense network. National Environmental Threat Monitoring Opportunities Establish a joint CGIT–NSI operations capability providing situational awareness during active disasters and extreme events. Integrate environmental modeling with secure data infrastructure to deliver operational intelligence products to funding agencies or partners. Education, Workforce Development, and Security Opportunities Train graduate students and analysts through dual‑track fellowships in geospatial environmental intelligence. Utilize NSI secure facilities to host classified or sensitive briefings for partner agencies. Develop a workforce pipeline prepared for roles in agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, USFS, DoD, and the intelligence community. Location and Requirements Position location is planned in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA, with the opportunity to visit collaborators on the Blacksburg campus as required. A primary work location in Blacksburg may be considered requiring regular travel to the Greater Washington, DC area. The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. Requirements Required Qualifications Doctoral degree in geospatial science, environmental science, systems engineering, computer science, or a closely related field. Demonstrated record of research excellence in geospatial analytics, AI and machine learning, or environmental modeling relevant to national security, resilience, or hazard management. Proven funding success as Principal Investigator on externally sponsored research, including federal or defense‑related agencies. Credentials aligned to the research professorial rank offered. Experience integrating geospatial and defense intelligence data systems. Demonstrated record of developing multidisciplinary funded programs that integrate technical, organizational, and policy dimensions of environmental systems. Familiarity with emerging AI and machine learning applications for environmental sensing and decision support. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance. Strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Preferred Qualifications Established professional networks within DoD, DHS, NOAA, USFS, or related agencies. Track record of building and scaling research portfolios supported by diverse funding sources. Experience mentoring researchers and students in interdisciplinary or secure research environments. Recognized thought leadership in environmental resilience, geospatial intelligence, or AI applications for natural systems. Additional Information Overtime status: Exempt; not eligible for overtime. Appointment type: Restricted. Salary information: Commensurate with experience. Hours per week: 40. Review date: March 17, 2026. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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 Renee VanDyke at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.