Associate AI Security Researcher

About the Role

We are seeking an AI Security Researcher to join the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a leader in cybersecurity research since 1988. In this role, you will collaborate with security experts to advance the state of the art in AI security at a national and global scale. Your work will include vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering AI systems, evaluating defenses, and shaping AI security strategy. You’ll engage with network defenders, software developers, policymakers, and academia to pioneer new research areas with impact across academia, industry, and national security.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art approaches for analyzing the robustness of AI systems.
• Apply these approaches to identify vulnerabilities in AI systems and understand how attackers exploit them.
• Reverse engineer malicious code to support high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, and address emerging threats to AI systems.
• Study and influence the AI security and vulnerability disclosure ecosystems.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of tools, techniques, and processes developed by industry and the AI security research community.
• Uncover and shape fundamental assumptions underlying current best practices in AI security.
• Develop thought models, tools, and datasets to characterize threats and vulnerabilities in AI systems, and publish findings.
• Use research results to aid in testing, evaluating, and transitioning technologies from government-funded research programs.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI to improve existing cybersecurity research.
• Co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to sponsors, government decision-makers, and at academic conferences.

Requirements

• BS in machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or a related discipline with three (3) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with one (1) year of experience.
• Deep interest in AI/ML and cybersecurity, with intellectual curiosity and a desire to make an impact beyond your organization.
• Practical experience applying cybersecurity knowledge to vulnerability research, analysis, disclosure, or mitigation.
• Familiarity with implementing and applying AI/ML techniques to solve practical problems.
• Experience with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g., NumPy, PyTorch, TensorFlow, ART).
• Knowledge or familiarity with reverse engineering tools (e.g., NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro).
• Experience with Python, C/C++, or low-level programming.
• Experience developing frameworks, methodologies, or assessments to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of technologies.
• Superb communication skills (oral and written), particularly for technical topics with non-experts.
• Ability to travel occasionally (5%) to support the SEI’s mission, including sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance (subject to a background check).

Applicants with a solid technical background in AI/ML or cybersecurity—but not both—are encouraged to apply if they demonstrate a strong desire to rapidly learn on the job.

Benefits

• 8% monthly contribution to retirement without requiring employee contribution.
• Tuition benefits for you and your dependent children at CMU and other institutions.
• Flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
• Annual professional development opportunities, including conference attendance, training, certifications, and reimbursement for professional society memberships.
• Relocation assistance.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation.
• Fitness center access and additional wellness perks.

Pay

Salary-based compensation.

Schedule

Full-time, regular staff position.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA