Associate Data Scientist

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

2d

About The Position

Data Scientists at the SEI use advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help government and industry clients research and solve cybersecurity challenges. The Associate Data Scientist works with customers to identify problems that may benefit from advanced statistical techniques, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build final products. The role collaborates with cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to develop technologies that can influence national cybersecurity strategy. It also involves co-authoring research proposals, conducting studies, and presenting findings to Department of War sponsors and at academic conferences.

The team works across research areas including generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and AI assurance. Other work includes developing metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs, human-in-the-loop machine-learning solutions, and classifiers for identifying security vulnerabilities. The role is based in Arlington, Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and may involve modest travel to support the SEI’s mission. The candidate must undergo a background check and be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or a related highly quantitative discipline and three years of experience, or an equivalent combination of training or experience; alternatively, a master’s degree in one of these disciplines and one year of experience; or a Ph.D. in one of these disciplines.
• Experience in predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI and machine learning.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
• Proficiency with at least one mathematical or statistical programming package, such as R, Python libraries (NumPy, SciPy, pandas, or Polars), or MATLAB.
• Innovative and inquisitive approach, with the ability to devise novel analytical solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations.
• Must be able to undergo a background check and obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in one or more of the following: recommendation systems; time-series forecasting; NLP or LLMs; causal inference, uplift modeling, or synthetic controls; modern machine-learning frameworks; LLMs or agentic workflows; model deployment; or big-data technologies.
• Experience in cybersecurity and privacy.
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs, or National Laboratories.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work.

Responsibilities

• Work with customers to identify problems where advanced statistical techniques can be applied.
• Plan and develop prototype solutions, then build final products.
• Co-author research proposals and execute studies.
• Present findings to Department of War sponsors and at academic conferences.
• Develop research and solutions in areas such as generative AI, large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and AI assurance.
• Craft metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs.
• Develop human-in-the-loop machine-learning solutions and classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities.
• Travel modestly to various locations to support the SEI’s mission.

Benefits

• Employee benefits are referenced, with a link to a listing, but specific benefits are not stated in the description.

What This Job Offers

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