Research Scientist - System Security Researcher

Who This Might Appeal To

This opportunity may resonate with staff who have been working on mission systems and have experienced firsthand how security gaps can emerge-not because the mission was poorly understood, but because implementation decisions, architecture tradeoffs, or rapid prototyping practices left systems vulnerable.

You may be someone who has begun to notice these gaps, who has wrestled with how to build systems that are not just capable, but trustworthy. This is a chance to apply your mission system knowledge in a new context-helping to bring secure-by-design thinking to the Laboratory's most important technical programs. Whether you're considering a long-term shift into system security or just a broadening tour to deepen your understanding of secure system design, this role could be a meaningful part of your career at the Laboratory-and a valuable investment in your personal and professional growth.

As a Research Scientist, you will:

• Advance the state of the art in secure communications, computing, and storage technologies.
• Develop, prototype, and apply these innovations to next-generation mission-critical systems relevant to National Security.
• Participate in end-to-end research activities, from concept development and systems analysis to prototyping and technology transfer.
• Collaborate with experts across disciplines to drive innovative solutions that meet real-world challenges and stakeholder needs.
• Have opportunities to take on technical leadership roles, shape research directions, support and eventually lead program development, and drive strategic initiatives that advance the Laboratory's mission and amplify its impact.

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A PhD in Computer Security, System Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  
  
  
  
  • Alternatively, a Master's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  
  
  
  
• Expertise in at least one of the following:
  
  
  
  • Architecture, analysis, design, implementation, and verification of secure and/or cryptographic embedded software, subsystems, systems, or protocols.
  • Academic or professional research in computer security, resiliency, or cryptography, demonstrated through innovative and impactful publications or projects.
  
  
  
  
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment.

We value varied paths to expertise and encourage candidates with practical experience or alternative educational backgrounds to apply.

We also value experience or interest in one or more of the following:

• Threat modeling and security requirements analysis.
• Applied cryptography and protocols, including industry and government standards.
• Operating system internals, embedded systems security, and network protocols.
• Secure programming in languages such as Rust and C/C++
• Applied formal methods and software analysis tools.
• Technical mentoring and leadership, including guiding junior team members and fostering collaborative environments.
• Program leadership, such as overseeing project execution, managing deliverables, or driving strategic initiatives.
• Experience with grant writing, funding applications, and sponsor engagement to support research and program development.

We don't expect candidates to have knowledge in all of these areas, and welcome candidates eager to grow into these areas through hands-on experience and learning.