Research Scientist

Position Summary:

The Research Scientist is part of the Wicked Problems Lab at the Institute of National Security at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for providing research and developmental support for projects in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This position collaborates with research scientists, engineers, faculty, and external partners to assess threat landscapes, strengthen cyber resiliency, and accelerate the adoption of secure, advanced technologies across government, industry, and public-sector infrastructures. 

The Research Scientist will conduct experiments and execute on research proposals developed by the Principal Investigator across the domains of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. This is a deeply technical position centered on data-driven analysis to defend against cyber threats as well as building and testing AI systems to support adaptive, mission-critical workflows. The Research Scientist will also be responsible for developing data-driven models relating to real-world events as well as engaging in hands-on deployment of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence-related hardware at partnered locations. This position reports to the Principal Investigator of the Wicked Problems Lab.

About the Work Unit:

The Wicked Problems Lab at the Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security focuses on high-impact challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and national security. The Lab brings together leading researchers, engineers, and operational experts to translate emerging technologies into pragmatic, real-world solutions. Work from the Wicked Problems Lab has been featured on the front page of The New York Times and has informed U.S. Congressional testimony.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Contributes research and development support to Institute portfolio of projects in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity

• Directly contributes to the technical mission(s) of the Institute of National Security and our sponsors, through activities including analysis, modeling, testing, design activities, and publication of research results

• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to reach desired project outcomes

• Provides leadership and direction to team members

• Maintains familiarity with emerging knowledge, technologies, techniques relevant to the Institute of National Security research discipline(s) and strategic goals

• Communicates regularly, effectively, and professionally with sponsors

• Functionally facilitates work for undergraduate and graduate students

• Other tasks as assigned

Supervisory Relationships:

This position may have supervisory responsibility over undergraduate and graduate students. This position reports administratively and functionally to Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is required. An advanced degree in engineering or computer science is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is required.

• Technical and mathematical expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision techniques, and modern data science is required.

• Systems engineering experience working across disciplines is required.

• Strong written and oral communication skills – technical reports, published articles, large audience presentations – are required.

• Strong project management skills are required.

• Experience working with a variety of partners from different backgrounds and conveying complex technical concepts to each partner is required.

• Strong hands-on technical skills to help deliver an end-to-end functioning system that accomplishes research goals is required.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.