Cybersecurity Researcher
Laurel, MD

Job Description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), a national leader in scientific research and development, located midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC is seeking a cybersecurity researcher.

Job Summary:

Are you interested in making critical contributions that impact national security systems? JHU/APL's Enterprise Systems Group in the Asymmetric Operations Sector is seeking cybersecurity researchers to develop new concepts and approaches for cybersecurity technologies. Perform basic and/or applied research to address critical gaps in defensive cybersecurity, including network security, host-based security, mobile security, cloud security, IoT security, software development, and integrated automated cybersecurity. Develop innovative solutions to existing and emerging cybersecurity challenges, from initial concept through the advanced prototype stage and experimentation. Provide thought leadership and technical leadership in a research environment.

Work alongside engineers and scientists who are passionate about innovation and are driven to make a real difference in defending our nation. Are you interested in working in an intellectually stimulating, professionally rewarding, and fun environment? Come join our team!

Duties (Listed in order of importance with the estimated amount of time spent at each task):

1. Participate in research projects to develop new concepts and approaches to cyber defense. Transform concepts into functioning prototypes to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of new and emerging solutions. (40%)

2. Participate in teams working to advance defensive capabilities of critical national systems. Analyze data and results to assess existing capabilities and identify critical gaps. Work with staff to devise and develop algorithms, techniques, and new solutions for improving defensive capabilities. (40%)

3. Actively engage the broader community by publishing papers and presenting project results in academic settings. Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to technical staff, management and Government decision makers. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in community working groups, sponsor meetings, proposal writing, and conferences. (20%)

Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.

Required Qualifications:

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5 years of prior research experience.

* Experience in a variety of programming languages, and be able to develop software to demonstrate new security concepts.
* Experience with one or more of the following: Windows, Unix-like operating systems (e.g., Linux), shell scripting; malware analysis and reverse engineering; networking protocols (e.g., TCP, HTTP, and SMTP); cloud computing; virtualization (e.g., KVM, Xen, VMware), and IoT
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* Ability to obtain a Secret clearance

Desired Qualifications:

PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with at 7 years of research experience

* Demonstrated leadership in directing and conducting research efforts, including prior experience as Principal Investigator
* Strong background in computer/network security concepts and technologies, including extensive knowledge of enterprise security operations and computer network vulnerabilities and exploits
* Experience writing published papers and presenting results to conferences/workshops.
* A current DoD clearance and prior experience working with Government agencies are desirable.
* Active TS/SCI clearance.

Special Working Conditions: None.

Security: Applicant selected will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Benefits: APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including a liberal vacation plan, a matching retirement program, significant educational assistance, a scholarship tuition program for staff with dependents, and competitive salaries commensurate with skills and experience. For more information about our organization, please visit our web site at www.jhuapl.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Acts of 1972, as well as other applicable laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.