Senior Cybersecurity Researcher

About the role

The Senior Cybersecurity Researcher will lead and support advanced cyber research projects, developing and deploying innovative methods to characterize and assess cyber-adversary behavior and to develop tools used to defend critical U.S. infrastructure and networks.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support advanced cyber research projects leveraging creative and automated methods to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities and weaknesses in software, firmware, and operational technology systems.
• Analyze and assess novel software, firmware, and malware to uncover weaknesses, malicious behavior, and potential attack vectors, creating repeatable workflows to support future red team and blue team engagements.
• Conduct in-depth assessments of OT/ICS networks to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could lead to physical system impacts.
• Participate in the design and implementation of new tools and techniques for vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, and/or adversary emulation to advance the understanding and mitigation of threats to operational technology.
• Identify emerging threats and opportunities for enhancing cyber defense and red team capabilities, helping shape the technical direction of LLNL’s cybersecurity initiatives.
• Collaborate in the development of technical requirements for red team and/or blue team operations at LLNL, including creating tools for adversary emulation and threat mitigation.
• Engage with sponsors and stakeholders to develop new program growth opportunities, contribute to research proposals, and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Drive and execute innovative ideas and approaches to meet sponsor and project needs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members, utilizing technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Significant experience leading program analysis of cyber-physical system security, OT network design and security, or intelligent adversary threat assessment and mitigation.
• Advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, electric energy systems operations and planning, or related relevant areas.
• Significant experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising senior management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of one of the following: deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and/or large language models.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Qualifications

• Expert level experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, electric energy systems operations and planning, optimization techniques or other relevant areas of mathematical optimization or electric systems.
• Expert-level project leadership experience and ability to apply, lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research, working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
• Substantial experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and securing sponsor funding.
• Expert-level experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas: operational technology security, OT system threat hunting, and/or use of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity research.

Skills

• Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
• Significant experience leading program analysis of cyber-physical system security, OT network design and security, or intelligent adversary threat assessment and mitigation.
• Advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: mixed-integer programming, branch-bound-and-cut algorithms, branch-and-price algorithms, strong (polynomial- or exponential-sized) formulations and separation, parallel/distributed mathematical optimization techniques, electric energy systems operations and planning, optimization techniques or other relevant areas of mathematical optimization or electric systems.
• Significant experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, advising senior management, and applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced knowledge of one of the following: deep reinforcement learning, neural networks, and/or large language models.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to multi-disciplinary teams and non-cyber experts and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

Schedule

Not specified.