Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

About the role

The CERT Security Operations team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions that address critical and emerging cybersecurity challenges. Our team provides technical guidance in capability and capacity development for Security Operations Centers (SOCs), National Cyber Centers, and Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). We partner with federal agencies, academic institutions, foreign governments, private industry, and non-profit organizations to strengthen cybersecurity operations globally.

Key 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.
• Team deliverables include: Technical publications, Industry and government conference presentations, Course development and delivery, Direct customer engagement, Prototype tools and methodologies.

Requirements

• You have BS in Computer Science or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience.
• You have the willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to 40% on an annual basis) in support of the SEI mission.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Desired Experience

• 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.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
• A generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Access to a fitness center.