Associate Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Cybersecurity Operations Researcher joins Carnegie Mellon University’s CERT Security Operations team to support mission-driven initiatives that strengthen national and international security operations capabilities. The team develops solutions to emerging cybersecurity challenges and provides technical guidance to Security Operations Centers, National Cyber Centers, and Computer Security Incident Response Teams. It works with government, academic, industry, and nonprofit partners to improve cybersecurity operations, develop strategic and operational procedures, and evaluate mission performance.

The role supports analytical research, operational cybersecurity practice, stakeholder engagement, project execution, and technical communications. Team deliverables may include technical publications, conference presentations, training courses, customer engagement, and prototype tools and methodologies. Domestic and international travel of up to 40% annually is required. The position is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is full-time, regular staff employment. The employee will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related discipline and three years of experience, or a master’s degree in the same fields and one year of experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40% annually.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance and undergo a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data.
• Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Apply knowledge of enterprise cybersecurity and technology security challenges.
• Use knowledge of computer network defense tools and processes, including commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms.
• Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leaders, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials.
• Analyze 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 for diverse audiences.
• Contribute to technical publications, conference presentations, course development and delivery, direct customer engagement, and prototype tools and methodologies.

Benefits

• Tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
• 8% monthly contribution for retirement.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Annual professional development opportunities.
• Relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level