Research Computer Scientist

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

100d • $160,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Research Computer Scientist will serve as a key researcher and thought leader, conceptualizing, designing, and executing advanced technical research projects in support of the DoD. This role requires significant independence, innovation, and collaboration with stakeholders across the Government, with opportunities to contribute state-of-the-art technology, mentor PhD students and shape research that supports both academic and defense-related applications. This position may involve work on projects that require access to classified information.

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications and contributions to research.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams and sponsors.
• Must have a current or be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (or higher) security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of current and next-generation DoD simulation, training systems, and systems architecture.
• Strong knowledge of operational and intelligence platforms across the DoD.
• Experience working within or among DoD organizations, industry partners and academia.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) priorities and transformation initiatives, including tactical and operational thinking.
• Experience with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
• Familiarity with defense requirements and acquisition protocols and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies.
• Proven experience building and leading teams, fostering collaboration, and mentoring researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and obtain funding for projects.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, plan, and drive highly specialized, basic and applied independent research projects in support of DoD mission priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to collaborating researchers and students, including supervision of PhD thesis research.
• Develop research ideas, design experiments, and create algorithms, software, and/or hardware solutions to address complex computer science and engineering challenges.
• Analyze and interpret research data, author scholarly publications, and present findings to sponsors and the scientific community.
• Identify and evaluate data sources, emerging technologies, and methodologies relevant to specialized research areas.
• Apply scientific principles to plan, coordinate, and execute research objectives with significant judgment and innovation.
• Contribute to long-term research goals in collaboration with internal teams and external partners, including government sponsors.

Benefits

• Work on exciting and engaging projects that have real-life impact.
• Small project team environment allows for involvement across entire project lifecycle.
• A quality work-life balance.
• Meet interesting people from all walks of life – technologists, social scientists, military, writers.
• Opportunities for free, top-tier university education for you and your children.
• Located in the heart of Silicon Beach.
• Great benefits - medical to matched retirement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees