Join Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI) as an Assistant AI Security Researcher. You will contribute to high-impact research in AI security within the Threat Analysis Directorate, collaborating to analyze vulnerabilities, develop new methods, and present findings to government and industry sponsors.
What You'll Do
- Develop state-of-the-art approaches for analyzing the robustness of AI systems.
- Apply these approaches to understand vulnerabilities and how attackers exploit them.
- Reverse engineer malicious code, design new analysis tools, and identify emerging threats to AI.
- Study and influence the AI security and vulnerability disclosure ecosystems.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of tools and techniques from industry and the research community.
- Uncover and shape fundamental assumptions underlying current AI security best practices.
- Develop models, tools, and data sets to characterize threats and vulnerabilities in AI systems.
- Identify opportunities to apply AI to improve existing cybersecurity research.
What We're Looking For
- BS in machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or a related discipline.
- Interest in AI/ML and cybersecurity with intellectual curiosity and a desire for broad impact.
- Practical experience applying cybersecurity knowledge toward vulnerability research, analysis, disclosure, or mitigation.
- Familiarity with implementing and applying AI/ML techniques to solve practical problems.
- Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g., Numpy, Pytorch, Tensorflow, ART).
- Knowledge or familiarity with reverse engineering tools (e.g., NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro).
- Experience with Python, C/C++, or low-level programming.
- Experience developing frameworks, methodologies, or assessments to evaluate technology effectiveness and robustness.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially for technical communications with non-experts.
- Ability to travel occasionally (5%).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
Technical Stack
- Languages: Python, C/C++
- AI/ML Tools: Numpy, Pytorch, Tensorflow, ART
- Reverse Engineering: NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro
Team & Environment
You will be part of the Threat Analysis Directorate within the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), pioneering research that impacts academia, industry, and national security. You'll work with dedicated experts and friendly staff with broad expertise.
Benefits & Compensation
- 8% monthly retirement contribution without an employee contribution.
- Tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for employees and dependent children.
- Flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
- Annual professional development opportunities with conference, training, and certification reimbursement.
- Relocation assistance.
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and observed holidays.
- Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
- Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
- Access to a Family Concierge Team for childcare needs.
- Fitness center access.
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
