Research Director - Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:
As the largest and most comprehensive aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a unique institution. Over the past 90 years, the University has evolved with industry to break new ground and produce top-level graduates who serve the ever-changing needs of aviation and aerospace and other STEM-related disciplines. Embry-Riddle offers programs in seven primary fields of study, including Applied Science; Aviation; Business; Computers and Technology; Engineering; Safety, Security, and Intelligence; and Space.

For Academic Year 2022-23, over 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students attended the University's residential campuses and approximately 19,200 students enrolled with the University around the world.

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About the Embry-Riddle Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems:

ERAU's Center for Aerospace Resilient Systems (CARS) is the Embry-Riddle wide research center dedicated to advancing aviation and aerospace resilient systems, focusing on aerospace cybersecurity and AI/ML challenges. CARS is committed to collaborating with industry and government partners, providing innovative solutions to pressing resilience challenges. The Center's work spans a broad spectrum of systems-related domains such as: aviation & aerospace cybersecurity including cutting-edge tools for enhancing cybersecurity in the operational technology (OT) domains, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) and data science / data analytics, software engineering, advanced air mobility (AAM) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technologies, human-machine interfaces, virtual and augmented reality training systems, airspace/airport simulation & modeling, and civil aviation airspace systems. The Center also maintains a vast historical Air Traffic database (archived since 1999). CARS is at the forefront of driving resilient systems innovation to foster a safe, secure, and resilient future of the aviation and aerospace ecosystem.

The Opportunity:

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.

Position Levels:

Depending on preparation and experience, the position can be set at various levels, including Senior Research Scientist, or Principal Research Scientist. These positions provide diverse opportunities for individuals at different senior career stages to become part of leading a dynamic team and lead CARS research initiatives in aviation and aerospace resilient systems.

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.

Applicants with the following expertise are encouraged to apply:

• 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.

Candidates possessing a diverse range of these expertise areas will be well-prepared to effectively contribute to the realization of CARS's vision, mission, and objectives aimed at advancing aviation and aerospace systems resilience. 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.

Diversity

Embry-Riddle values diversity: we respect the rights and property of all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, physical disability, economic background, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We believe in a community where all members are welcome, and individuals or groups are free from harassment. We strongly encourage individuals from populations traditionally underrepresented and underserved in STEM - women, Black, Latinx, Native Americans, persons of all gender identities and/or sexual orientation - to apply.

Equal Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Application Process and Additional Information

Consideration of applications will begin May 2024 and will continue until the position is filled; the anticipated start date is August 2024. Applications should include a current CV and a detailed letter discussing experience, academic qualifications, and background that demonstrate strong alignment with the aviation and aerospace systems domain knowledge and the position. Selected candidates will be required to secure three professional references as part of the review process. Application materials should be submitted electronically through the Embry-Riddle Careers Website. Questions can be directed via email to Dan Diessner, Search Committee Chair, at diessned@erau.edu, subject "CARS Research Director Position."