Director of Research

Job Description

About CCI:
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) is Virginias central hub for cybersecurity research innovation and workforce development where cutting-edge ideas take shape talent pipelines are built and cross-sector collaboration drives real-world impact. CCI brings together researchers students industry leaders and public partners to advance cybersecurity at the intersection of autonomous systems and intelligence.
With a vision to position Virginia as a global center of excellence in cybersecurity CCI leverages the Commonwealths exceptional research institutions diverse higher education system vibrant startup ecosystem and deep concentration of cyber talent to fuel innovation and economic growth.

About the position:
CCI is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Research to provide strategic leadership for the research portfolio of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) an academic organization dedicated to advancing cybersecurity research innovation and workforce development. The Director of Research is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive research strategy that aligns with CCIs mission and advances its national and international impact.

The Director will be expect to:
- Lead efforts to administer internal research programs and expand externally funded research cultivate relationships with government agencies and industry partners and strengthen interdisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration.
- Mentor and supervise research faculty while ensuring the successful development execution and management of research programs.
- Oversee integrity and compliance of research administration activities ensuring that all pre-award and post-award grant management processes align with applicable laws regulations sponsor requirements and institutional policies.
- Serve in a critical role in advancing CCIs research mission by shaping its strategic direction expanding its funded research portfolio and supporting the success of its faculty and research programs.
- Identify and secure research funding to support own research initiatives.
- Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of cybersecurity research in Virginia and beyond through strong leadership and external engagement.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in cybersecurity computer science information systems engineering public policy or a related field.
Demonstrated progressively advanced experience in academic or applied research leadership.
Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research projects.
Established track record of impactful academic publication and/or intellectual property creation.
Knowledge of cybersecurity policy emerging technologies and national security challenges.
Experience supervising or mentoring research faculty and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong knowledge of research administration including pre-award and post-award processes.
Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing federally funded research programs (e.g. NSF DoD DHS DOE or similar agencies).
Experience leading large collaborative or multi-institutional research initiatives.
Experience working within academic research centers or institutes.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $200000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hrs per week

Review Date

May 29 2026

Additional Information

This position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington VA. A hybrid work arrangement may be offered that would include designated weekly office hours and such a schedule will be confirmed following onboarding/training and aligned with business needs.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.