Research Scientist

Position Summary:
The Research Scientist is part of the Institute for Software Integrated Systems within the School of
Engineering at Vanderbilt University and is a leader responsible for conducting advanced, groundbreaking
research in all areas of Software-Integrated Systems. Persons in this position are expected to
grow their own externally-funded research program and/or to contribute to the success of sponsored
research projects at the Institute. Reporting directly to the Professor, the Research Scientist is expected
to work on specific research topics relevant for the project, collaborate with other researchers, and
potentially supervise engineers, and graduate students, as needed. A Research Scientist conducts
advanced, ground-breaking research in areas of Software-Integrated Systems. The Research Scientist is
a key contributor to the success of sponsored research projects at ISIS, serving as a functional lead on a
team of researchers composed of staff engineers and graduate students. The Research Scientist is
expected to gradually develop his or her own research profile, projects, and sponsored activities,
eventually taking on a leading role as Co-PI or PI on one or more project(s).
 

About the Work Unit:
The Institute for Software Integrated Systems conducts basic and applied research in the area of
systems and information science and engineering. Applications of its technology span a wide range of
software-intensive systems from small embedded devices, through real-time distributed systems, to
globally deployed complex systems. Software is increasingly essential to the functions of these systems,
and it is also the primary means of adapting them to their environments and users. Our research
interests lie in the theoretical foundations, modeling, design, engineering, and educational aspects of
these systems.
 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
 Directly contributes to the technical mission(s) of ISIS and our sponsors, through activities
including analysis, modeling, testing, design activities, and publication of research results
 Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to reach desired project outcomes
 Provides leadership and direction to team members
 Maintains familiarity with emerging knowledge, technologies, techniques relevant to ISIS research
discipline(s) and strategic goals
 Communicates regularly, effectively, and professionally with sponsors
 Functionally oversees work of research staff and graduate students
 Obtains independent external funding; demonstrates ability to maintain and grow sponsor-funded
research
 Other tasks as assigned 

Supervisory Relationships:
This position may have supervisory responsibility over engineers or other staff; this position reports
administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.
 

Education and Certifications
 A Ph.D. in engineering or computer science is preferred.
 A Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science is necessary.
 

Experience and Skills:
 3+ years of experience in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
 Technical and mathematical expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision
techniques, and modern data science
 Systems engineering experience, working across disciplines
 Strong written and oral communication skills – technical reports, published articles, large
audience presentations
 Strong project management skills
 Experience working with a variety of partners from different backgrounds, and conveying complex
technical concepts to each partner
 Strong hands-on technical skills to help deliver an end-to-end functioning system that
accomplishes research goals