Senior Cybersecurity Operations Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University

Senior cybersecurity researcher strengthening defensive operations for Carnegie Mellon’s SEI, a federally funded software and cybersecurity research institute. Developing methods, studies, training, and prototypes for government and international security partners.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timePittsburgh • Pennsylvania, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cybersecurity, risk analysis, and project management, with a strong ability to communicate complex technical topics to diverse audiences. Proficient in utilizing computer network defense tools and engaging with international stakeholders while maintaining a focus on security compliance and documentation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cybersecurity KnowledgeProject Management MethodologiesComputer Network Defense ToolsTechnical Documentation ProductionCISSP Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Risk AnalysisThreat AssessmentNetwork SecurityTechnical WritingResearch PublicationCybersecurity MetricsIncident ResponseSecurity OperationsComputing Hardware ProficiencyNetworking Technologies

Soft Skills

CollaborationCultural AwarenessProfessionalismCommunication SkillsPresentation Skills

Tools & Technologies

Commercial Vendor SolutionsOpen-Source PlatformsCybersecurity ToolsProject Planning ToolsTechnical Publication Software

Certifications & Qualifications

CISSPCEHCISMCompTIA Security+

Industry Keywords

Critical InfrastructureNational SecurityIncident ResponseSecurity OperationsCybersecurity Standards

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct and support analytical studies involving risk, threat, and security data
Work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
Apply enterprise cybersecurity and technology security knowledge to mission challenges
Utilize computer network defense tools and processes, including commercial vendor solutions and open-source platforms
Brief strategic and technical topics to senior leadership, technical and non-technical audiences, and foreign government officials
Analyze operational challenges and evolving threats facing network security and intelligence organizations
Apply project planning and management methodologies to support program execution
Engage international stakeholders with cultural awareness and professionalism
Produce clear, well-structured technical documentation for diverse audiences
Develop technical publications, conference presentations, courses, customer engagements, prototype tools, and methodologies

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Computer Science or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR a PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to 40% annually
Subject to a background investigation
Must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War (DoW) security clearance
Familiarity with critical infrastructure sectors
Experience working within or in collaboration with a national Incident Response or Security Operations organization
Technical proficiency with modern computing hardware, software, and networking technologies
Experience conducting research and publishing academic or technical papers
Knowledge of cybersecurity metrics, measurement, and assessment methodologies
Participation in public forums such as standards bodies, open-source projects, or professional publications
Preferred certifications: CISSP, CEH, CISM, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent

Benefits

Comp & perks

Tuition benefits at Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions for employees and their dependent children
8% monthly contribution for retirement
Paid parental leave
Paid military leave
Annual professional development opportunities
Relocation assistance
Accessible recruitment experience and reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process