Job #6218 - Chief Scientist

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for working with the NSS Director and leadership to plan, develop and implement research strategies, initiatives, policies and programs that further the mission of NSS and the SEI. The Chief Scientist will formulate research goals and objectives in collaboration with research team leaders and help direct the research efforts to achieve agreed research directions. The position requires an understanding of the technical challenges and emerging trends as well as the potential research opportunities that affect cyber-security strategy for industry and government. Effective formulation and presentation of forward looking ideas will shape a research agenda that influences the nation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Primary advocate for the research portion of the NSS programs. Formulates the research strategy and works with NSS Technical Directors and Managers to implement that strategy. Assists with research team formation and recruiting appropriate talent. Serves as liaison to internal SEI functions and programs in active and potential areas of research. Builds external relationships to foster research collaborations. Represents the NSS program to the S&T community by participation in S&T community events and forums.
2. Leads strategic research planning process and contributes to the development of NSS strategic plan under the guidance of the Director. Insures annual update of strategic research plan and the CERT research report. Reviews feasibility of plan, identifies risks and defines risk mitigation strategy. Articulates research vision for internal and external audiences.
3. Provides guidance to and monitors the success of NSS Technical Directors and Managers in meeting strategic research goals. Provides input on performance of internal staff engaged in research. Consults with NSS Director on organizational effectiveness and evaluation of impact of research contributions. Identifies operational success measures and process improvements. Leads corrective actions.
4. Serves as liaison between NSS program and other R&D activities on CMU campus (e.g. CS department and CyLab) and identifies area of possible collaboration
5. Works with NSS Director and technical leadership to identify opportunities for new research projects and serves as interim project leader on start-up of new, high-priority projects

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training: Masters degree in a technical field such as computer science, information technology, electrical engineering.

Experience: Eight plus years of progressively responsible experience in a technology- or research-based organization in government, industry or higher education. At least eight years of successful information security operations and/or research experience including hands-on research, research team leadership and project management. Demonstrated success in formulating and delivering successful research proposals to the federal government and in leading the resulting projects. Demonstrated record of publications and contributions to the science and technology community. Demonstrated management experience with responsibility for projects, people, budgets and contracts.

Skills/Abilities: Mastery and broad understanding of computer systems, computer security technologies and practices and information security evaluation methods. Mastery of information security field in order to apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to accepted methods. Able to make decisions and recommendations that significantly change important public policies or scientific programs dealing with cyber security. Ability to influence, work with and manage technical staff; able to respond quickly and effectively to changing priorities; excellent analytical, organizational, supervisory, reasoning and problem solving skills; ability to interact effectively with diverse constituencies internally and externally; excellent verbal and written communication skills; computer literacy

OTHER

Physical/Mobility: Primarily sedentary in an office setting with some mobility. Flexibility to travel to various locations within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings potentially with routine frequency.

Environmental Conditions: Normal office conditions; close contact with computer display for extended periods of time

Mental: Ability to meet inflexible deadlines, remain calm during difficult situations, work under pressure and work with frequent interruptions.

Other:

• Candidates must be able to pass a background investigation, obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance, and be a US citizen
• Ability to travel frequently and to adjust to a work schedule that requires weekend and evening hours.
• The work requires originating new techniques and approaches, establishing criteria, and developing new information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training: PhD in a technical field such as computer science, information technology, electrical engineering.

Experience: Five plus years in a research management experience in higher education, government, military, and/or Fortune 100 technology-based organizations is preferred. Planning and directing/executing specialized programs of marked difficulty, responsibility, and national significance in information security which have demonstrated leadership and unusual attainments in professional, scientific, or technical research, practice, or administration. Nationally known expert in the field of information security.

Skills/Abilities: Has the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization. Has the ability to establish an organizational research vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leads people toward meeting the organization’s research vision, mission, and goals. Able to foster the development of others, facilitate cooperation and teamwork and support constructive resolution of conflicts. Makes decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Able to build coalitions internally and within government, private sector, academic and international organizations to achieve common goals.

To apply please go to
Careers@CarnegieMellon

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and operated by Carnegie Mellon University.

CERT^® and CERT Coordination Center^® are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

This page was last updated September 21, 2009