Associate Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

About the role

The CERT Security Operations team develops cutting-edge solutions addressing critical and emerging cybersecurity challenges. We provide technical guidance to Security Operations Centers, National Cyber Centers, and CSIRTs. We collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance global cybersecurity operations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and execute strategic and operational cybersecurity procedures.
• Apply knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms.
• Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical, and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials.
• Identify and analyze current operational challenges and evolving threats in network security and intelligence organizations.
• Utilize project planning and management methodologies to support program execution.
• Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism.
• Develop and deliver clear, well-structured technical documentation for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to technical publications, industry and government conference presentations, course development, and direct customer engagement.
• Prototype tools and methodologies to advance cybersecurity research and practice.

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science or related field with 3 years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with 1 year of experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40% annually.
• Passable background investigation and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Desired Experience

• Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working within or collaborating with national Incident Response or Security Operations organizations.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency with modern computing hardware, software, and networking technologies.
• Experience conducting research and publishing academic or technical papers.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity metrics, measurement, and assessment methodologies.
• Participation in public forums such as standards bodies, open-source projects, or professional publications.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
• 8% monthly contribution for retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Affordable life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Family Concierge Team services.
• Access to fitness center.