Cyber Resilience and Operations Assistant Researcher

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

About The Position

As an Assistant Staff member in MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Cyber Operations & Analysis Technology Group, you will perform analysis, develop technology, and/or architect and build software for next-generation operational cyber security systems. You will work with a skilled research team while exercising considerable autonomy and independence, applying your technical skills to strengthen the cyber security and resilience of national security systems and equip cyber operators to defend against persistent, intelligent adversaries. The role offers opportunities to develop as a researcher through technical execution, project leadership, and sharing results through publications and presentations. The group researches challenging cybersecurity problems, develops new technologies, and prototypes novel systems, with a focus on enabling human operators and improving operational systems. Its work spans national-security applications including assessing cyber threats to missions, strengthening critical infrastructure and operational technology, protecting weapon systems, and improving defensive cyberspace operations. The group draws on interdisciplinary technical fields and collaborates with research partners across MIT.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Security, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on difficult, open-ended cybersecurity and defense problems with interdisciplinary technical teams.
Motivation to identify underlying technical problems and proactively pursue viable solutions.
Proficiency in a modern programming language such as Python, Rust, or Java.
Demonstrated interest in cybersecurity.
Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: cybersecurity; generative and agentic AI; cloud and infrastructure automation (such as Docker or Kubernetes); mathematical or statistical modeling and problem-solving; software engineering; or U.S. military operations, especially cyberspace operations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level DoD security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Research experience in one or more of the listed technical areas is especially valued; experience may come from classes, extracurricular activities, or mentoring.

Responsibilities

Perform analysis and develop technology for operational cybersecurity systems.
Architect and build software for next-generation operational cyber security systems.
Apply technical skills to improve the cyber security and resilience of national security systems.
Develop capabilities that help cyber operators defend against persistent, intelligent adversaries.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team while working with considerable autonomy and independence.
Share research results with the community through publications and presentations.