Associate Data Scientist

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

23d

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 can be addressed with advanced statistical techniques, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build final products. The role involves collaborating with cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to develop technologies that may influence national cybersecurity strategy, co-authoring research proposals, conducting studies, and presenting findings to DoW sponsors and at academic conferences.

The team’s work spans generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and assurance of AI systems. Other projects include creating metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs, developing human-in-the-loop machine-learning solutions, and building classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or a related highly quantitative discipline, with three years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training or experience.
• Alternatively, a master’s degree in a listed or related highly quantitative discipline with one year of experience; or a PhD in a listed or related highly quantitative discipline.
• 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 including NumPy/SciPy/Pandas/Polars, or MATLAB.
• Innovative and inquisitive approach, with the ability to develop novel analytical solutions to problems.
• Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance and be subject to a background check.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: recommendation systems; time-series forecasting; NLP/LLMs, including fine-tuning, RAG, evaluation, or prompt engineering; causal inference, uplift modeling, or synthetic controls; modern ML frameworks; LLM/agentic workflows; model deployment; or big data.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in cybersecurity and privacy.
• Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs, or National Labs.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work.

Responsibilities

• Work with customers to identify problems that can be addressed using advanced statistical techniques.
• Plan and develop prototype solutions and build final products.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to develop new technologies.
• Co-author research proposals and execute studies.
• Present findings to DoW sponsors and at academic conferences.
• Support the SEI’s overall mission through modest travel to various locations.

What This Job Offers

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