Associate Data Scientist
Carnegie Mellon University
About the role
What We Do:
Data Scientists at the SEI use advanced statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to help our government and industry clients research and solve cybersecurity challenges. In this role, you will work with our customers to identify areas where advanced statistical techniques can help tackle problems, plan and develop prototype solutions, and build out final products. You'll get a chance to work with elite cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national cybersecurity strategy for decades to come. You will co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings to DoW sponsors and at academic conferences.
Our team works on a wide range of projects. Our current work includes research in generative AI and large language models, computer vision, multimodal AI, agentic AI, and assurance of AI systems. Additionally, we craft metrics and experimental designs for large-scale cybersecurity research programs, develop human-in-the-loop machine learning solutions, and build classifiers to identify security vulnerabilities. If you are a data science or statistics expert with an interest in cybersecurity, we want to hear from you!
Requirements:
BS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline with three (3) years of experience or equivalent combination of training or experience; or MS in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline with one (1) year of experience; or PhD in data science, machine learning, computer science, statistics, or related highly-quantitative discipline.
Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission.
You will be subject to a background check and must be able obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience in predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learning
Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics
Proficient with at least one mathematical/statistical programming package (e.g., R, python numpy/scipy/pandas/polars, MATLAB, etc.)
Innovative and inquisitive with ability to imagine novel analytical solutions to problems Thrives in a multi-disciplinary environment
Strong communication skills
Expertise in one or more of the following:
Recommendation systems
Time-series forecasting (Prophet, NeuralProphet, Chronos, Lag-Llama, etc.)
NLP / LLMs (fine-tuning, RAG, evaluation, prompt engineering)
Causal inference / uplift modeling / synthetic controls
Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch,JAX, TensorFlow)
LLMs / agentic workflows (LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack)
Experience deploying models (FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar)
Experience working with big data (Spark, Trino, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks)
Desired Experience:
Experience in cybersecurity and privacy is a plus is a plus
Experience in U.S. Government work and/or with FFRDCs, UARCs an National Labs is a plus
Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Responsibilities
- Apply statistics, data analytics, machine learning, and AI to cybersecurity challenges.
- Collaborate with customers to identify analytical needs and develop prototype solutions and final products.
- Co-author research proposals, conduct studies, and present findings to sponsors and at academic conferences.
- Develop AI and machine-learning solutions, metrics, experimental designs, and cybersecurity classifiers.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field and 3 years of experience, master’s degree and 1 year of experience, or a PhD in a related field.
- Experience in predictive modeling, data science, AI, or machine learning, with strong statistical modeling and data analytics skills.
- Proficiency with a mathematical or statistical programming language such as Python, R, or MATLAB.
- Expertise in one or more areas such as recommendation systems, time-series forecasting, NLP and LLMs, causal inference, modern ML frameworks, model deployment, or big data.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Willingness to travel modestly and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of War security clearance.
- Cybersecurity, privacy, U.S. Government, FFRDC, UARC, or National Lab experience is a plus.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings program with employer contributions.
- Tuition benefits, paid time off, and observed holidays.
- Life, accidental death, and disability insurance.
- Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, family concierge services, and fitness center access.
Skills mentioned
About Carnegie Mellon University
The Language Technologies Institute at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science educates the leaders of tomorrow and performs groundbreaking research in the areas of Natural Language Processing and Computational Linguistics; Information Extraction, Summarization & Question Answering; Information Retrieval, Text Mining & Analytics; Knowledge Representation, Reasoning & Acquisition; Language Technologies for Education; Machine Learning; Machine Translation; Multimodal Computing and Interaction; Speech Processing; and Spoken Interfaces & Dialogue Processing.
H-1B sponsorship history
Historical employer filing data was found for Carnegie Mellon University. The employer record includes 831 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.