Lead Research Scientist in Compiler Technologies

2 weeks ago


Lexington, Kentucky, United States Riverside Research Full time
Company Overview
Riverside Research is a nonprofit organization focused on national security, dedicated to advancing research and development in the interest of the nation.

We offer high-level technical services, innovative research, and prototype solutions to address some of the most complex technical challenges faced by our country.

All positions at Riverside Research require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Summary
In today's world, computer systems are integral to nearly every aspect of our lives.

These systems depend on 'systems software' to perform specific tasks and connect hardware with higher-level software.

From embedded systems utilizing FPGA technology for performance and security-critical operations to servers employing hypervisors for managing multiple guests, low-level code ensures that higher-level code operates in a stable and organized environment.

This foundational code is complex, bridging the realities of diverse hardware instruction set architectures (ISAs) with higher-level abstractions.

It plays a crucial role in the security framework of all systems.

At Riverside Research, our Secure and Resilient Systems group is committed to enhancing this code to provide our clients with secure foundations for their mission-critical software.

This proactive approach aims to stay ahead of potential threats rather than merely addressing issues as they arise.

Computers can assist in analyzing and implementing protections on these software layers through program analysis and compiler-based security mechanisms.

We are seeking a research scientist to contribute to the development of advanced compiler and program analysis security technologies.

As a vital member of our Secure and Resilient Systems team, the research scientist will spearhead efforts to prototype new features in open-source compilers like LLVM and program analysis tools such as angr.

A solid understanding of software development practices for large-scale projects (including version control and debugging techniques), familiarity with the system software stack, and a robust background in computer science fundamentals (e.g., algorithms, data structures, programming languages) are essential for effectively designing and prototyping innovative tools and features that push the boundaries of compiler and program analysis technology.

The research scientist will collaborate with a diverse team focused on developing compiler technologies and program analyses that enhance the security of complex targets, including operating systems, build systems, and intricate user applications.

Responsibilities include prototyping and delivering both code and accompanying documentation/design documents.

Additionally, the research scientist will initiate the research process by guiding the team in designing solutions to new challenges, breaking problems into manageable tasks, overseeing implementation, and evaluating the resulting prototypes.

Strong writing skills are necessary for effectively communicating ideas and results to both internal and external stakeholders.

The research scientist will also engage in technical marketing and proposal writing within their research domain and collaborate with team members across various Riverside Research locations.

An ideal candidate will aim to pursue and expand funded R&D programs with government research organizations, lead R&D contracts, and transition technology into practical applications.

Experience in systems programming (e.g., C/C++, at least one assembly language, Python, Rust) and developing tools for program analysis is highly desirable.

A qualified research scientist should be able to articulate, at various levels of abstraction, the relevance of programming language fundamentals from C to Haskell and various domain-specific languages to this role.

Key Responsibilities
- Design innovative solutions to customer challenges related to systems software
- Prototype and assess features within large software projects like LLVM or angr
- Develop new tools and capabilities across a range of relevant programming languages
- Author whitepapers and published papers documenting innovative work
- Communicate design decisions, technical challenges, and progress to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborate with team members on debugging, pair programming, and reviewing papers/proposals
- Participate in relevant internal and customer meetings
- Influence the technical direction of internal and contracted research and development efforts
Qualifications
Required:
- MS degree with 3+ years or BS with 5+ years of experience in a related technical field, such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or cybersecurity
- Strong software development fundamentals for large projects (e.g., submitting PRs, engaging with open-source communities, managing git branches)
- Technical leadership skills, including task assignment, problem decomposition, and abstraction management
- Eligibility to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
- Creative skills for developing, prototyping, benchmarking, and documenting significant security features integrated into existing systems
- Proficiency in various programming languages and a solid foundation in programming languages, algorithms, and data structures
Desired:
- PhD in Computer Science or a related field
- Strong understanding of the research process, including reading and writing academic papers and ideation for solving complex problems
- Balance between technical expertise and business acumen
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and establish effective working relationships with technical staff and peers
- Self-starter with strong time management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Compensation
$100,000 - $175,000, reflecting the typical compensation range for this position based on experience and location.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a nonprofit, technology-oriented defense organization committed to serving our customers and supporting our staff.

We are an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer, adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.

Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages to our employees, basing employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications, and other job-related criteria, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, or any other status legally protected by applicable law.

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