Senior Machine Learning Research Scientist - Secure AI Lab

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering questions related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.

As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning toprovideleap-ahead mission capabilities, we

• build real-world, mission-scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems

• discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for robust, secure, scalable, and human-centered mission capabilities

• prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, andmaintainingAI capabilities

• identifyand investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape

Are you creative, curious, energetic, collaborative, technology-focused, and hard-working? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team.
 

Overview:As a Senior Machine LearningResearch Scientist,you will specialize inconductingresearch into the vulnerabilities of AIandML algorithms and securing against those vulnerabilities.

TheSecure AILab within the SEI’s AI Division focuses on improving the security and robustness of AI systems. As part of the world-class research community at Carnegie Mellon University, theSecure AILabconducts and appliescutting-edgeresearch toprotectAI systems fromadversaries who aim to manipulatethe systemto learn, do, or revealsomething itisn’tsupposed to. 

TheSecure AILab consists of machine learning research scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers who work together to solve problems in the following areas:

• Counter AI Research:Study threat models targeting AIandML algorithms,understand the behaviors of AI algorithms,identifyweak points, and design novel ways to subvert AIandML systems.

• AIandMLAlgorithm DefenseResearch:Createpractical mitigations and defenses forobservedattacksaffecting AIandML algorithmsand evaluate the effectiveness ofdefensivetechniques.

• AppliedAdversarial Machine Learning:Advance the state of the art inadversarialmachinelearningby developing and transitioning capabilities to government sponsors.

Your day-to-day research tasks will include:

• Identifyingandinvestigatingemerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.

• Performing andpublishingimpactful original research in the field ofAIandML algorithm vulnerabilities and securing against those vulnerabilities.

• Adapting andapplyingexisting research in the field to solve real-world problems.

• Transitioning andprovidingguidanceonAI capabilities to government sponsors.

Duties: 

• Hands-on research: You’llconduct and lead novel research in applied machine learning and artificial intelligence.

• Solution development:You’llwork with and lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.

• Strategy:You’llwork withthe leadership teamand colleagues to plan, develop, and carry out an overall research strategy, and to influence the national research agendaregardingfuture technology.

• Collaboration:You'llactivelyparticipateon teams of software developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads.You'llbuild relationships and collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other stakeholders to understand challenges, needs,possible solutions, and research directions.

• Mentoring:You'llcontribute to improving the overall technical capabilities of the Divisionby mentoring and teaching others,participatingin design (software and otherwise) sessions, and sharing insights and wisdom across the SEIAIDivision.

Knowledge andExperience

• Comprehensiveknowledge ofmachine learning;previousexperiencein adversarial machine learningpreferredbut notrequired

• A track recordofconducting research and applying scientific methodsto solvedifficult problems

• Experienceleadingresearchprojectsinnovelareaswith limitedpreviouswork to build upon

• Abilityto work with leadership to plan, develop, anddeliveran overallresearchstrategy

• Strong written and verbal communication skills;abilityto convey complex technical ideasinalayperson’s terms

• Proficiencyinwritingfunding proposalsorpitchingideas fornew researchprojects

• Ampleexperience with publishingwritten or technicalartifactsshowcasingyour work

• Strong collaboration skills forworkingwith colleagues and sponsors 

• Willingnesstoguide andmentorjunior team members

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, machine learning, electrical engineering, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience

• Willingness to work onsite at an SEI facility 5 days per week.

• Be able to obtain andmaintainan active Department of War security clearance.

• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.