Computer Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a Computer Scientist or Engineer with a focus on Vulnerability Research who will support the Cyber Resilience and Intelligence Division in the National Security Science Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Support national security agendas as they relate to the identification and mitigation of software vulnerabilities used in defense, energy, and critical infrastructure assets.
• Research, develop and improve tools and techniques used to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in critical systems.
• Maintain awareness and understanding of cyber security research and events.
• Contribute material to reports generated for project sponsors.
• Assist in the development of research proposals related to vulnerability science.
• Promote ORNL/partners cyber security research and development capabilities as they apply to the national security community.
• Present material and provide advice to technical audiences, leadership and sponsors on cyber security issues, research, and programs.
• Identify and articulate ORNL capabilities and customer requirements to internal and external technical audiences, leadership, and sponsors.

Basic Qualifications

• Requires a BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field and a fundamental understanding of cyber security principles, tools, and operational applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current experience writing software. Most relevant languages: C, C++, Python, and Java.
• Basic binary literacy is important. This includes understanding how software is architected, language characteristics, binary formats, and operating systems.
• Familiarity with static and dynamic binary analysis techniques (e.g., fuzzing) and reverse engineering (e.g., Ghidra or Ida Pro).
• Experience auditing source code and disassembly a plus.
• Familiarity with embedded systems preferred.
• Prior use and familiarity with web or network-related tools, e.g., burpsuite and wireshark a plus.
• Demonstrated desire and ability to acquire new knowledge and learn new skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop plans to address complex problems, be proactive, work independently, and contribute to a larger team.
• Participation in capture-the-flag events, or cyber challenge events a plus.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

• Please submit two letters of reference when appying to this position You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy.

Benefits

• Preserves all substantive information from the original post.