Research Scientist

The Rochester Institute of Technology is hiring a Research Scientist for a one-year, soft-money role focused on security research in open-source cryptographic software. The position supports sponsored research and includes activities such as vulnerability analysis, upstream contributions, and experimentation, with renewal contingent on external funding.

This is a hybrid position in the United States with a salary range of USD 65,900 - 105,400 per year. The role is categorized as Exempt.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze source code for cryptographic libraries and evaluate protocol implementations to identify security defects, including both traditional defects and side-channel vulnerabilities
• Develop patches and tests, then shepherd changes through upstream code review until acceptance
• Manage security-sensitive findings using coordinated disclosure practices
• Contribute substantively to proposals for external funding
• Guide graduate students on sponsored projects
• Design and conduct scientific research experiments using advanced knowledge of research theory and methods
• Analyze research results and produce reports and figures for presentation and publication
• Write manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and assist with grant writing
• Develop and deliver presentations of research results at conferences
• Participate in outreach activities that may include tours, presentations, and open houses
• Engage in professional development to stay current on emerging research and technology in the relevant field
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience
• Master’s degree in a related field
• Proficiency with Linux, particularly command line tools and coreutils
• Software engineering experience, particularly C and assembly
• Applied cryptography and side-channel analysis
• Familiarity with open-source cryptography libraries, particularly OpenSSL
• Experience with open-source contribution workflows, particularly git and pull requests
• Research proposal writing for external sponsors
• Knowledge of principles and practices of the relevant field of research
• Knowledge of scientific research theory and methods
• Skill in Microsoft Office Suite and applicable research software
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report complex data sets
• Ability to independently plan and execute research
• Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD or equivalent doctorate in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• 1 year of relevant experience after the degree

Tools and Technologies

• Linux, coreutils, C, assembly, OpenSSL
• git, pull requests
• Microsoft Office Suite

Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Additional details: This is a soft-money position, and continuation depends on the candidate’s ability to obtain external funding. The hiring process may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check, and any verbal or written offer is contingent on satisfactory results as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity and offers reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, contact Human Resources at 585-475-2424 or email [email protected].