Cyber Research Scientist (Early Career)

Battelle•Columbus, OH

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. We are currently seeking an early career Cyber Research Scientist. This position is an onsite, full-time opportunity located in Columbus, OH. Battelle's Cyber Mission Assurance (CMA) portfolio is responsible for ideating, developing, and deploying advanced technical solutions to solve complex national security and cyber threat intelligence challenges. Our elite, multidisciplinary team brings together the brightest minds from physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to develop unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers. We work in small, agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology, supported by high-powered labs with specialized software and hardware. We encourage new ideas through our Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program, reward inventors through an industry-leading IP compensation program and collaborate broadly across Battelle on projects ranging from genomics to robotics.

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

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