Carnegie Mellon University

Network Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University$90K — $120K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or relevant discipline with corresponding years of work experience.
  • Ability to gain a Department of War security clearance.
  • Flexibility to travel for meetings and conferences.
  • Strong grasp of networking fundamentals and protocols.
  • Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language such as Python or Java.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on network threats to develop detection methods.
  • Create tailored detection capabilities for partner environments.
  • Provide new requirements and feature requests for the NetSA Security tool suite.
  • Write publications to disseminate research findings.
  • Conduct customer-specific training to enhance security understanding.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
  • Tuition benefits for professional development.
  • Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
  • Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass and fitness center access.
Full Job Description

Position Summary:

As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research network threats to develop methods of detection and tailor these for partner environments. Transition of this research will take the form of developing detection capabilities, providing new requirements and feature requests for our NetSA Security tool suite, writing publications, and providing customer-specific training. The primary network data source for the team is netflow combined with application layer metadata, with an expanding focus on host-based (e.g., EDR) and cloud telemetry.

You will be responsible for gaining insights from data to facilitate detections, working with partners to help them to better understand their data and researching new data sources to expand the expertise of the team.

Requirements:

-Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with eight (8) years of relevant work experience; or a MS in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with five (5) years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in Computer Science or other relevant technical discipline with two (2) years of relevant work experience.

-Movement between buildings within the SEI and CMU community required.

Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This may include national travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion.

-You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Ability to translate threat intelligence to avenues for research, prototyping, and curation of detection capabilities.

Strong knowledge of network fundamentals, common application layer protocols, and network-based telemetry.

Strong proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language such as Python, Go, Ruby, C, Java, or Scala.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, detailed research, and ability to document and communicate ideas and findings to diverse audiences.

Desired Experience:

Hands-on experience in a security research, threat hunting, detection engineering, or Cyber threat Intelligence (CTI) analyst role.

Experience analyzing large datasets, especially network telemetry such as netflow, application metadata, or PCAP from network sensors such as YAF, Zeek, Suricata, etc;

Experience applying cybersecurity data science methods and practices

Experience using open-source and / or commercial Internet intelligence telemetry and datasets

Strong grasp of the threat landscape and experience researching and investigating threats

Experience presenting technical topics

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

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 to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our .

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 “” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

  • Click to view a listing of employee benefits

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that was founded in 1900. The university is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Carnegie Mellon has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong focus on research and has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations. Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
Learn more about Carnegie Mellon University
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