Job Description

We live in a time where you have a choice—where to work, where to apply your talents and ideas, and where to pursue growth and self-fulfillment.

Our Secure, Resilient Systems and Technology Group is a collaborative team of security architects and researchers, applied cryptographers, software developers, and embedded systems engineers. Together, we address critical national security challenges through innovative, high-impact research. Our team thrives on tackling complex, high-stakes challenges, advancing solutions that safeguard critical mission systems and make a tangible difference in national security. From problem analysis and solution design to rapid prototyping, field testing, and technology transfer to the Department of Defense (DoD), the Intelligence Community (IC), and industry, we engage in all phases of research and development. As part of MIT, we collaborate with academia and publish our findings in top-tier venues.

We are proud to have built an environment that fosters collaboration, empowers innovation, and supports both individual and team excellence, where different perspectives drive meaningful impact. We value everyone’s unique contributions and provide opportunities for our team members to learn, grow, and realize their full potential.

If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to pursue cutting-edge research that truly matters while working in an inclusive environment with abundant resources, healthy work-life balance, and colleagues who value excellence, curiosity, and collaboration, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description

As a Research Scientist, you will:

• Advance the state of the art in secure computing, storage, and communication technologies.
• Develop, prototype, and apply these innovations to next-generation mission-critical systems relevant to National Security.
• Participate in end-to-end research activities, from concept development and systems analysis to prototyping and technology transfer.
• Collaborate with experts across disciplines to drive innovative solutions that meet real-world challenges and stakeholder needs.
• Have opportunities to take on technical leadership roles, shape research directions, support and eventually lead program development, and drive strategic initiatives that advance the Laboratory’s mission and amplify its impact.

Required Qualifications

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A PhD in Computer Security, System Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
  • Alternatively, a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in at least one of the following:
  • Architecture, analysis, design, implementation, and verification of secure and/or cryptographic embedded software, subsystems, systems, or protocols.
  • Academic or professional research in computer security, resiliency, or cryptography, demonstrated through innovative and impactful publications or projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative environment.

We value varied paths to expertise and encourage candidates with practical experience or alternative educational backgrounds to apply.

Desired Knowledge

We also value experience or interest in one or more of the following:

• Threat modeling and security requirements analysis.
• Advanced and applied cryptography, including industry and government standards, as well as techniques such as multi-party computation and zero-knowledge protocols.
• Operating system internals, embedded systems security, and network protocols.
• Secure programming in languages such as Rust and C/C++
• Applied formal methods and software analysis tools.
• Technical mentoring and leadership, including guiding junior team members and fostering collaborative environments.
• Program leadership, such as overseeing project execution, managing deliverables, or driving strategic initiatives.
• Experience with grant writing, funding applications, and sponsor engagement to support research and program development.

We don't expect candidates to have knowledge in all of these areas, and welcome candidates eager to grow into these areas through hands-on experience and learning .

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of  other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 41827 

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