Research Scientist - Global Security Initiative

Arizona State University’s Global Security Initiative is seeking a research scientist to develop a robust research portfolio that addresses current and emerging national and global security challenges. 

The research scientist should have expertise in computer science, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence and some experience in program development. He or she will coordinate with GSI leadership to create and lead teams of researchers working on a range of national security problems, including information integrity, modeling and simulation of biological threats, critical infrastructure protection, and analytics in support of decision-making systems, among others.

This is a full-time research position dedicated to advancing research and discovery of public value, with the ultimate aim of advancing fundamental knowledge and producing technologies, tools, and best practices that can be transitioned to security practitioners in both government and industry (Dept. of Defense, Dept. of Homeland Security, etc.). The research scientist will have significant independence to develop a robust research portfolio that secures research awards and results in impactful outputs that are transitioned to research sponsors.  The research scientist will be expected to work with GSI leadership to analyze the funding landscape, determine the needs of potential sponsors, survey ASU’s capabilities, and coordinate and lead interdisciplinary research teams that address sponsor priorities.  He or she will develop concepts, draft proposals, and conduct research projects.

The Global Security Initiative is ASU’s interdisciplinary hub for defense and security research, and serves as the university’s primary interface with the Dept. of Defense and other government agencies in the security and defense sectors.  GSI is home to the Center for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, the Center for Human, AI, and Robot Teaming, and a Dept. of Homeland Security Center of Excellence.

The research scientist will work closely with GSI leadership to sustain and build new relationships with government agencies and departments (and other potential sponsors).

This is an opportunity to join a team that is conducting cutting-edge research at the nation’s most innovative university. GSI anticipates significant growth over the next decade, and the research scientist can help steer the direction of that growth. 

Essential Duties:

• ​ Work with GSI leadership and team to craft a research strategy in the areas of disinformation, analytics in support of decision-making systems, and other areas.
• Draft proposals to U.S. government agencies, industry, and philanthropic institutions for sponsored research activities
• Coordinate interdisciplinary research teams that are capable of addressing sponsor challenges
• Build relationships within ASU, with faculty and researchers from other units
• Build and nurture relationships with relevant government agencies, industry representatives, and philanthropic organizations
• Represent GSI at relevant conferences, meetings, etc.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, graduate assistants, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

• Technical background in computer science or related field, specifically in big data analytics, algorithm development, machine learning, and/or artificial intelligence
• Experience conducting scientific research
• Strong writing and oral communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team and to operate independently when needed
• Experience writing proposals to government agencies (Dept. of Defense preferred)
• Experience successfully building and maintaining relationships with sponsors and partners (government and/or industry)
• Evidence of ability to secure external research funding and execute projects for mission-oriented sponsors
• Familiarity with text processing, image processing, and video processing
• Statistical analysis capabilities

Minimum Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Computer Science or related field.

Instructions to Apply:

The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please send cover letter, CV, summary of past work, and the names and email addresses of three references to OKED Hiring at OKEDHiring@asu.edu by March 1, 2019. Please put “Research Scientist – Global Security Initiative” in the subject line of your email.

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) produces mission-relevant approaches and decision support tools to address some of the world’s most complicated and vexing security challenges. These ‘wicked problems’ are characterized by complex interdependencies and conflicting objectives where solutions may not be obvious. Creating positive outcomes to these challenges requires a new mindset built around interdisciplinary research that spans the public, private, and academic sectors.

GSI’s innovative approach to tackling wicked problems leverages the world-class expertise of Arizona State University faculty and GSI’s connections with the global defense, development and diplomacy communities, producing results that are impactful, timely and useful to policymakers and implementers. GSI serves as ASU’s primary interface with the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Intelligence Community.

The Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development is committed to Advancing Research, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. We seek research funding, support faculty researchers, nurture partnerships with external partners, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and share what we learn with the community and the world. We make discovery possible. http://research.asu.edu

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.