Assistant AI Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking applicants for the Assistant AI Security Researcher role. CERT has remained a leader in cybersecurity research, improving the robustness of software systems, and in responding to sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Ensuring the robustness and security of AI systems is the next big challenge on the horizon, and we are seeking life-long learners in the fields of cybersecurity, AI/ML, or related areas, who are willing to cross-train to address AI Security. As part of the Threat Analysis Directorate, you will join a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art in AI security at a national and global scale. Our tasks include vulnerability discovery and assessments for AI systems, evaluation of the effectiveness and robustness of defenses and mitigations for AI systems, reverse engineering AI systems and models, and identifying new areas where security research is needed. We participate in communities of network defenders, software developers and vendors, security researchers, AI practitioners, and policymakers. You will co-author technical proposals, execute research, and present findings and recommendations to our DoD sponsors, decision makers within government and industry, and at academic conferences. The SEI is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) at Carnegie Mellon University.

Requirements

BS in machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline.
Interest in AI/ML and cybersecurity with a penchant for intellectual curiosity and a desire to make an impact beyond your organization.
Practical experience with applying cybersecurity knowledge toward vulnerability research, analysis, disclosure, or mitigation.
Familiarity with implementing and applying AI/ML techniques to solving practical problems.
Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g., Numpy, Pytorch, Tensorflow, ART).
Knowledge or familiarity with reverse engineering tools (e.g. NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro).
Experience with Python, C/C++, or low-level programming.
Experience developing frameworks, methodologies, or assessments to evaluate effectiveness and robustness of technologies.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly regarding technical communications with non-experts.
Applicants with strong technical proficiency in either AI/ML or cybersecurity are welcome to apply, provided a demonstrated intellectual agility and commitment required for accelerated learning within the role.
Able to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission (5%).
Subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.

Responsibilities

Develop state of the art approaches for analyzing robustness of AI systems.
Apply these approaches to understanding vulnerabilities in AI systems and how attackers adapt their tradecraft to exploit those vulnerabilities.
Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers.
Design and develop new analysis methods and tools.
Work to identify and address emerging and complex threats to AI systems.
Effectively participate in the broader security community.
Study and influence the AI security and vulnerability disclosure ecosystems.
Evaluate the effectiveness of tools, techniques and processes developed by industry and the AI security research community.
Uncover and shape some of the fundamental assumptions underlying current best practice in AI security.
Develop thought models, tools and data sets that can be used to characterize the threats to, and vulnerabilities in, AI systems, and publish those results.
Use these results to aid in the testing, evaluation and transition of technologies developed by government-funded research programs.
Identify opportunities to apply AI to improve existing cybersecurity research.

Benefits

8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.
Tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children.
Healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements.
Paid parental and military leave.
Annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.
Relocation assistance.
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
Fitness center access.