Research Associate, Data Science

Job Description The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development. With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington, D.C., VTNSI serves dual missions of performing cutting‑edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs and cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research opportunities. The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, seeks a Research Associate in Data Science to conduct research in artificial intelligence and systems engineering. This is a research and development position that may be based in Arlington, Virginia. Responsibilities Support research conducted in ISD in projects focused on design of experiments, time series analyses, anomaly detection, natural language processing, large‑scale data infrastructure, test and evaluation, computer vision, cyber security, and systems engineering. Contribute to technical documents, presentations, and peer‑reviewed academic papers. Provide mentorship to students working on programs. Required Qualifications Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline; or a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline and significant related experience. Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning. Experience with common machine‑learning software packages such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, JMP, or related statistical analysis tools. Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects. Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience. U.S. citizenship. Ability to obtain and maintain a clearance. Preferred Qualifications Active security clearance. Experience working in an academic environment. Proficiency with generative artificial intelligence such as large language models. Experience with software development. Experience executing research and/or development programs supporting the federal government. Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population. Compensation and Benefits Exempt: Not eligible for overtime. Appointment Type: Restricted. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Hours per week: 40. Review Date: 5/27/2026. Additional Information Due to the nature of the Institute's work, candidates must be U.S. citizens and must have the ability to obtain and maintain a government 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 students across eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. It 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 contributions 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 VTNSI Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science