Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) Cybersecurity - Dr. Ranganathan

University of North Dakota • Grand Forks, ND

6d • Remote

About The Position

This is a part-time, non-benefited position for an Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) in Cybersecurity under Dr. Ranganathan. The role involves assisting with cybersecurity research and laboratory experiments, developing and testing cyber defenses, performing vulnerability analysis and penetration testing, supporting cyber threat modeling and simulations, assisting with AI/ML model development for cybersecurity, and supporting programming, data collection, analysis, and visualization. The position also includes assisting with technical documentation, research reports, presentations, and publications, and collaborating with faculty, graduate students, and other researchers on C2SR projects. Only UND students are eligible for this position.

Requirements

• Programming experience in Python, C/C++, or related languages is preferred.
• Experience or interest in cybersecurity, networking, Linux, AI/ML, penetration testing, or embedded/OT systems is desirable.
• Students should have strong problem-solving skills and an interest in hands-on cybersecurity research.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cybersecurity research and laboratory experiments.
• Develop and test cyber defenses against adversarial threats.
• Perform vulnerability analysis and authorized penetration testing in research/testbed environments.
• Support cyber threat modeling, attack/defense simulations, and security analysis.
• Assist with AI/ML model development, training, testing, and evaluation for cybersecurity applications.
• Support programming, data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Assist with technical documentation, research reports, presentations, and publications.
• Work with faculty, graduate students, and other researchers on C2SR projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree