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Job no: Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: Msu University Research Organization
Department: University Research Organization 40000621
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional, Academic Management, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly
Working/Functional TitleNational Security Initiative (NSI) Director
Position SummaryThe NSI will serve as a premier hub for collaborative engagement among academia, federal agencies, national laboratories, industry, and defense-oriented organizations. Through transformative research, talent development, and technology transition, the initiative will pursue high-impact opportunities aligned with critical national priorities. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a mission-driven organization from its formative stage into a nationally recognized center of excellence.
The long-term vision for NSI is to evolve into a nationally recognized federally-supported National Security research enterprise with multiple core competencies in the security sector. MSU seeks an accomplished, visionary, and entrepreneurial research leader to serve as the Founding Director of the NSI. The primary responsibility for this position and the initial focus will be to lead sponsored projects and build a team of researchers around Applied Artificial Intelligence. Specifically, a robust program is sought from the areas of Autonomous Rapid Manufacturing, Cybersecurity and Resilient Infrastructure, and Data Analytics and Decision Intelligence for Defense Systems. The position will be a fixed-term academic appointment with rank commensurate with experience. It is expected that the internal funding support for the establishment of the NSI will become an organization sustained by sponsored research.
The Founding Director will serve as the strategic leader of the MSU NSI, responsible for establishing its vision, research directions, and external partnerships. Reporting to the Executive Director of the University Research Organization (URO), the Founding Director will work closely with university leadership, the NSI Governing Board, faculty leaders, federal sponsors, and industry stakeholders to advance NSI's mission and strategic growth. The successful candidate will bring a distinguished record of technical leadership in applied AI for national security-related research, innovation, and partnership development, along with the strategic insight and credibility necessary to position MSU as a trusted partner to federal agencies and national security stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:Research Strategy and Program Development (40%) - Lead the development of high-impact, interdisciplinary research programs in applied AI aligned with national security priorities and the topics outlined above.
- Guide and support proposal development efforts for large-scale federal funding opportunities.
- Establish and oversee seed funding initiatives designed to catalyze innovative and high-risk/high-reward research.
- Promote the translation of research discoveries into deployable technologies, operational capabilities, and strategic solutions.
- Facilitate collaboration across MSU colleges, departments, and research centers to strengthen institutional competitiveness.
- Ensure effective execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of NSI-sponsored programs and initiatives.
Strategic Leadership and Initiative Development (35%) - Develop and execute a bold strategic vision for NSI that aligns with Michigan State University's institutional priorities and evolving national security objectives.
- Build and scale NSI into a nationally recognized center known for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mission impact.
- Establish the organizational structure, governance processes, operational framework, and culture necessary for long-term success.
- Lead strategic planning initiatives in partnership with the VPRI, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board.
- Identify emerging national security challenges and position NSI to respond proactively through targeted research and partnership opportunities.
- Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration across the NSI.
- Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing research, technical, and administrative personnel.
- Oversee financial stewardship, budget planning, and sustainable growth strategies for the NSI.
External Engagement and Partnership Development (15%) - Serve as the principal representative and spokesperson for NSI with federal agencies, national laboratories, industry partners, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
- Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), intelligence community organizations, and related federal entities.
- Advance MSU's national reputation and visibility in the national security and defense innovation ecosystem.
- Develop and sustain partnerships that support sponsored research, workforce development, technology transition, and commercialization initiatives.
- Engage with policymakers, senior government officials, and industry executives to identify collaborative opportunities and strategic priorities.
- Position NSI to compete successfully for major federal research centers, consortia, and center-level funding opportunities.
Education, Workforce Development, and Outreach (5%) - Develop educational and workforce development programs that prepare students and early-career researchers for leadership roles in the national security workforce.
- Expand experiential learning opportunities, including internships, fellowships, workshops, and engagement with government and industry partners.
- Promote interdisciplinary learning and research experiences that strengthen talent pipelines into national security careers.
- Advance outreach initiatives that increase awareness of national security challenges and career pathways.
Governance, Compliance, and Research Security (5%) - Partner with AVP for Research Security to ensure all NSI activities comply with university policies, federal regulations, export control requirements, and MSU research security standards.
- Oversee NSI's secure research operations in coordination with AVP for Research Security and foster a culture of ethical conduct and responsible research practices.
- Ensure appropriate governance structures, risk management practices, and compliance processes are developed to support NSI's research mission
- Provide regular updates and strategic reports to university leadership, the Governing Board, and Advisory Board regarding the NSI performance, impact metrics, and growth opportunities.
Required DegreeMasters -Engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or another field relevant to national security research and innovation.
Minimum RequirementsRequired Qualifications - Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or another field relevant to national security research and innovation.
- Demonstrated success securing and managing significant federal research funding and/or leading large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Strong understanding of the federal research and national security funding landscape.
For consideration under this posting, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Desired QualificationsPreferred Qualifications - Advanced degree (doctorate or equivalent professional degree) in a relevant discipline.
- Experience leading or managing DARPA-style, ARPA-E, IARPA, or similarly mission-focused research and development programs.
- Existing professional relationships across DoD, DoE, DHS, intelligence community organizations, and/or national laboratories.
- Experience in technology transition, commercialization, or dual-use innovation programs.
- Familiarity with classified research environments and secure facilities operations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Deep understanding of the national security ecosystem in the applied AI area, for example, federal R&D priorities, acquisition pathways, defense innovation initiatives, and policy trends.
- Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and lead transformative initiatives.
- Exceptional leadership, organizational, and team-building capabilities.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-management skills with the ability to engage effectively across technical, academic, government, and executive audiences.
- Strong financial and operational management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Knowledge of export control regulations, research security compliance, and federal contracting requirements.
- High degree of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Required Application MaterialsResume, cover letter and three references.
For consideration under this posting, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Remote Work StatementMSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Websitehttps://research.msu.edu/uro
Advertised: Aug 28, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Dec 1, 2026 Eastern Standard Time
