Associate Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

About the role

The CERT Security Operations team develops cutting-edge solutions addressing critical and emerging cybersecurity challenges for the United States Government and the international community. We provide technical guidance in capability and capacity development for Security Operations Centers (SOCs), National Cyber Centers, and Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Our work includes partnering with federal agencies, academic institutions, foreign governments, private industry, and non-profits to strengthen global cybersecurity operations. We design and implement strategic and operational procedures, evaluate mission performance, and prototype innovative methods for measuring operational success. This role supports mission-driven cybersecurity initiatives focused on national and international security operations capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams of varying experience levels.
• Apply a strong understanding of enterprise cybersecurity and technology security challenges.
• Utilize knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including leading commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms.
• Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials.
• Analyze current operational challenges and evolving threats facing network security and intelligence organizations.
• Apply project planning and management methodologies to support program execution.
• Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism.
• Produce clear, well-structured technical documentation that translates complex processes for diverse audiences (writing sample may be requested).

Team deliverables include:

• Technical publications
• Industry and government conference presentations
• Course development and delivery
• Direct customer engagement
• Prototype tools and methodologies

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science or related discipline with three (3) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with one (1) year of experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40% annually).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance (subject to background investigation).

Qualifications

• Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors.
• Experience working within or in collaboration with a national Incident Response or Security Operations organization.
• 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.
• Preferred certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with 8% monthly employer contribution.
• Tuition benefits for employees and dependent children at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Annual professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation.
• Fitness center access.

For a comprehensive overview, explore the Benefits page.

Schedule

Full time, regular staff position.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA