Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist - Secure AI Lab

About the role

The Secure AI Lab within the SEI’s AI Division focuses on improving the security and robustness of AI systems. As part of the world-class research community at Carnegie Mellon University, the lab conducts and applies cutting-edge research to protect AI systems from adversaries who aim to manipulate the system to learn, do, or reveal something it isn’t supposed to. The lab consists of machine learning research scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers working together to solve problems in:

• Counter AI Research: Study threat models targeting AI and ML algorithms, understand the behaviors of AI algorithms, identify weak points, and design novel ways to subvert AI and ML systems.
• AI and ML Algorithm Defense Research: Create practical mitigations and defenses for observed attacks affecting AI and ML algorithms and evaluate the effectiveness of defensive techniques.
• Applied Adversarial Machine Learning: Advance the state of the art in adversarial machine learning by developing and transitioning capabilities to government sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead novel research in applied machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Work with and lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.
• Plan, develop, and carry out an overall research strategy, and influence the national research agenda regarding future technology.
• Actively participate on teams of software developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads.
• Build relationships and collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other stakeholders to understand challenges, needs, possible solutions, and research directions.
• Mentor and teach others, participate in design sessions, and share insights across the SEI AI Division.
• Identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.
• Perform and publish impactful original research in the field of AI and ML algorithm vulnerabilities and securing against those vulnerabilities.
• Adapt and apply existing research in the field to solve real-world problems.
• Transition and provide guidance on AI capabilities to government sponsors.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, machine learning, electrical engineering, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience.
• Willingness to work onsite at an SEI facility 5 days per week.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location, including SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of machine learning; previous experience in adversarial machine learning preferred but not required.
• A track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods to solve difficult problems.
• Experience leading research projects in novel areas with limited previous work to build upon.
• Ability to work with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver an overall research strategy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas in layperson’s terms.
• Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects.
• Ample experience with publishing written or technical artifacts showcasing your work.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors.
• Willingness to guide and mentor junior team members.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Schedule

Full time, onsite at an SEI facility 5 days per week.

Pay

Salary basis.

Locations: Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA