Research Director – Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University•Daytona Beach, FL

17d

About The Position

CARS is seeking a Research Director whose primary role will be to strengthen and grow the CARS research portfolio, with a near-term focus on aerospace cybersecurity research in the defense systems, civil aviation, and space systems domains. This senior faculty research position reports to the CARS Executive Director and is dedicated to acquiring and leading high-quality research and contributing to advancing knowledge in enhancing aviation and aerospace resilient systems. This research faculty position (non-tenured track) may choose to have some teaching responsibilities in order to support the engagement of students in the research experience. This position requires a highly motivated and experienced researcher who can collaborate effectively with faculty members and research personnel to pursue innovative projects and contribute to the overall mission of the Center. The Center's mission is to be a world leader in the research and innovation of safe, secure, and resilient aerospace system solutions that meet the needs of our global aerospace community. Strong research-focused candidates eager to proactively identify and address key aviation and aerospace systems resiliency challenges are encouraged to apply. Depending on preparation and experience, the position can be set at various levels, including Senior Research Scientist, or Principal Research Scientist. Senior Research Scientist An accomplished and experienced professional researcher who conducts significant original research or serves as a senior collaborator on a multi-scientist research initiative, typically leading substantive aspects of the overall project under the general guidance of a principal researcher. A Senior Research Scientist may serve as a co-investigator on a funded scientific research project. Requires a minimum of Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline), plus at least 5 years of formal "post-doc" training and/or post-degree professional work experience, and must have a demonstrated record of research achievement, including the capture and execution of relevant research projects. In rare instances, an individual with comparable professional experience but less than a doctoral degree will be considered, on an exception basis. Principal Research Scientist Leads a highly specialized or multifaceted scientific research program and directs the work of other research scientists and associates. Individuals at this level shall lead the submission of proposals for external sponsored funding and may serve as principal investigators on sponsored projects. Requires a minimum of Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline), with at least 5 years of experience similar to that of a Senior Research Scientist. In rare instances, an individual with comparable professional experience but less than a doctoral degree will be considered, on an exception basis.

Requirements

A Ph.D. in a relevant field is required.
Candidate must have or be able to acquire a US security clearance.
Aviation and Aerospace Systems Expertise in any of the following areas: Aviation / Aerospace cybersecurity domain knowledge Comprehensive knowledge of aviation and aerospace systems, operations, principles, regulations, and best practices, including AAM/UAS/UAM. Understanding of cybersecurity risk assessment, vulnerability management, systems resiliency evaluation and testing within the aerospace domain. Application of AI/ML to aerospace systems and environments
Leadership and Collaboration Skills Demonstrated ability to lead and foster collaboration among industry, government, and academic leaders. Proven track record of bringing diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals.
Research Proficiency: Strong background in research and data analysis with a portfolio to support it. Experience in designing and conducting aviation and aerospace systems research.
Innovation and Thought Leadership: Ability to promote and support innovation in aviation systems through innovative technologies, strategies, and practices. Demonstrated thought leadership in aviation and aerospace systems.
Ethical and Professional Standards: Commitment to integrity, ethical conduct, and adherence to professional standards in aerospace systems-related work.
Communication and Networking: Excellent communication skills to effectively convey aerospace systems concepts, research findings, and ideas to diverse audiences. Strong networking skills for building relationships with industry, government, and academic partners.
Project Management: Proficiency in project management, including the ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects and initiatives.
Regulatory / Compliance and Systems Standards Knowledge: Familiarity with aviation and aerospace regulations and compliance requirements, and systems standards at the global and regional levels (e.g., ICAO/FAA/EASA, RTCA/EUROCAE, NIST/ARINC/SAE/ISO/etc.).
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work across disciplines to address resilience challenges, incorporating insights from engineering, human factors, policy, and other relevant fields.
Data Analysis and Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills for interpreting systems data and making data-driven decisions to enhance resilience measures.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Willingness to adapt and improve strategies based on emerging trends, technologies, and lessons learned.
Adherence to Core Values: Commitment to upholding the core values of integrity, innovation, and collaboration in all endeavors.
Global Perspective: Awareness of and adaptability to the global nature of the aviation and aerospace ecosystem, considering diverse regulatory environments and cultural factors.
Additionally, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in generating financially viable and pertinent research proposals, followed by effective project execution upon securing contracts. A forward-looking perspective on the aviation and aerospace systems industry, coupled with strong verbal and written communication skills, is imperative. The capacity to thrive in industry, government and academic environments is mandatory. Supervision and project management, conducted in a collaborative yet results-driven manner, are pivotal for long-term success.
Successful candidates for this role are individuals with a proven history of autonomously initiating and executing research outside of established research centers.

Responsibilities

Strengthen and grow the CARS research portfolio
Acquire and lead high-quality research
Contribute to advancing knowledge in enhancing aviation and aerospace resilient systems
Collaborate effectively with faculty members and research personnel to pursue innovative projects
Lead the submission of proposals for external sponsored funding
Serve as principal investigators on sponsored projects

Benefits

Employees working more than 30 hours a week can enjoy medical, dental and vision benefits, an amazing retirement plan with immediate vesting that includes a 6% gift and up to 4% match, free tuition for employees and their immediate family members, and a generous personal leave program.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
Personal Leave: Relax with 12 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.
Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.

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