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.