Cyber Research Scientist (Early Career)

Battelle • Columbus, OH

7d • $75,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Battelle is seeking an early career Cyber Research Scientist for an onsite, full-time opportunity in Columbus, OH. The Cyber Mission Assurance (CMA) portfolio focuses on developing advanced technical solutions for national security and cyber threat intelligence challenges. The team comprises experts in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics, working in agile teams with specialized labs to push computing technology boundaries. Battelle supports new ideas through its Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program and offers an industry-leading IP compensation program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Intelligence Studies, Data Science, or a related technical field.
• 0–2 years of experience in cybersecurity, OSINT research, cyber threat intelligence, or related analytical or technical roles; internships, research projects, or academic experience are acceptable.
• Familiarity with collecting and analyzing open-source information from technical publications, online platforms, or public datasets.
• Basic programming or scripting experience in at least one language, including Python, Bash, PowerShell, C, or C++.
• Familiarity with writing simple scripts to automate tasks such as data parsing, log analysis, or OSINT collection.
• Basic understanding of Linux and Windows operating system environments.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, ports, and protocols.
• Exposure to cybersecurity tools such as Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, or similar platforms through coursework, labs, or internships.
• Understanding of core cybersecurity principles including the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability), least privilege, and defense-in-depth.
• Strong analytical thinking, research skills, and written communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Must be a sole US citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Internship, research experience, or academic projects related to cybersecurity, OSINT, cyber threat intelligence, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with network traffic analysis, packet capture tools, or basic intrusion detection concepts.
• Foundational knowledge of computer architecture concepts including CPU execution, memory, and process management.
• Basic familiarity with cryptographic concepts such as hashing, encryption, TLS/HTTPS, and PKI.
• Knowledge of web technologies including HTTP, REST APIs, HTML, and JavaScript basics.
• Awareness of common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and authentication flaws.
• Exposure to digital forensics concepts including disk imaging, log analysis, memory analysis, or timeline reconstruction.
• Familiarity with digital forensic tools such as Autopsy, Volatility, or Sleuth Kit through coursework or labs.
• Experience with data analysis tools or programming environments used for research and visualization.
• Familiarity with developing or integrating automated translation workflows for multilingual OSINT data using scripting languages (e.g., Python) and APIs.
• Experience analyzing or translating foreign-language technical materials such as scientific publications, cyber threat discussions, or technical forums.
• Knowledge of basic natural language processing (NLP) or multilingual text processing techniques.
• Experience using virtualization tools such as VMware, VirtualBox, or Docker to build cybersecurity lab environments.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Critical Security Controls, or ISO 27001.
• Relevant certifications such as Security+, Network+, CEH (in progress), or other entry-level cybersecurity certifications.

Responsibilities

• Support senior researchers, intelligence analysts, and cybersecurity engineers in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting open-source information to advance national security missions.
• Conduct open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis related to cyber threats, emerging technologies, and adversary activity.
• Support technical analysis of cyber vulnerabilities, exploits, malware reporting, and threat activity identified in open-source environments.
• Assist in developing scripts and automation tools to support OSINT data collection, parsing, and analysis.
• Support the development of automated tools and scripts that ingest, translate, and analyze foreign-language OSINT data.
• Utilize cybersecurity tools to perform basic network reconnaissance, scanning, and traffic analysis.
• Collect and organize information from open-source environments including technical publications, research databases, code repositories, forums, and social media platforms.
• Assist in translating and analyzing foreign-language open-source materials related to cyber or technology topics using translation tools or language resources.
• Assist senior staff in developing OSINT methodologies, research workflows, and data analysis pipelines.
• Produce written summaries, research notes, and analytical reports for internal teams and client deliverables.
• Maintain effective communication with team members in fast-paced research environments.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while developing independent research and analytical skills.

Benefits

• Compressed work schedule allowing for every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work arrangement (60% in-office, 40% remote).
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives.
• Supplemental benefits.
• Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a 5% company contribution regardless of employee contribution, plus matching.
• Tuition assistance.

What This Job Offers

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