Job Details

Category: Computer Science; +2

About the Opportunity
Join a mission-driven team developing advanced cybersecurity platforms that protect hospitals and clinics from cyber threats. The Senior Research Scientist will contribute full-time to building Whole-Hospital Simulations that emulate realistic healthcare environments and Vulnerability Mitigation Platforms that safeguard medical devices and both clinical and non-clinical networks. The work will directly impact patient safety and digital resilience in vulnerable healthcare settings. Success in this role will help revolutionize the healthcare penetration testing marketplace, shifting the focus from compliance to system recovery and resilience under attack. The platforms will also influence the future of medical device security regulations by moving evaluations from individual device compliance to whole-hospital system security.

As part of the role, frequent travel (1–2 times per month) is required to accompany the Principal Investigator or research staff on visits to sub-awardee sites across the country and to attend sponsor events. Travel may vary depending on project needs. The position is hybrid (Boston area), combining in-person and remote work. This position is 100% externally funded and will be renewed annually based on funding availability.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

(40%) Research Project Leadership: Lead and direct research projects in healthcare and medical device cybersecurity. Define objectives, manage milestones, conduct evaluation studies, analyze results, and publish findings.
(25%) Mentoring & Student Supervision: Guide and supervise graduate students in areas such as simulation, vulnerability management, and systems evaluation. Support their technical growth and publication success.
(20%) Technical Report Writing: Prepare technical documentation, project reports, and patent applications. Identify new funding opportunities and communicate project outcomes effectively.
(10%) Collaboration & External Engagement: Evaluate hospital-scale simulators and devices with healthcare providers, regulators, and industry partners. Represent the lab at conferences, workshops, and events.
(5%) Grant & Budget Management: Assist in proposal writing, manage small budgets, plan milestone tasks, and handle procurement for simulation and laboratory equipment.

This role involves close collaboration with technical leads and organizational leadership on a high-impact healthcare cybersecurity platform. The candidate will take ownership of their work while receiving strategic guidance.

Core Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong publication and citation record in embedded systems security, medical device cybersecurity, or healthcare technology security.

• Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with industry and healthcare partners.

• Experience in requirements engineering, penetration testing, or systems evaluation preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated mentoring experience.

• While programming experience is useful, this is not a software development position—you will collaborate closely with development teams.

• Must provide three academic references addressing qualifications and peer comparisons.

Required Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Position Details

Type: Research
Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 111S
Expected Hiring Range: $86,490 – $122,163.75 (based on experience, education, and expertise)
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Benefits: Northeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, PTO, tuition assistance, wellness, retirement, commuting, and transportation benefits. Learn more at https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

👉 Apply here: https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Sr-Research-Scientist_R136623