Research Computer Scientist

The USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is an Army-affiliated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) that conducts groundbreaking research at the intersection of computer science, engineering, and human interaction. ICT brings together experts in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, simulation, immersive media, and human performance to advance the state of the art in training, education, health, and national security. Researchers at ICT collaborate across disciplines to design, develop, and evaluate cutting-edge technologies with real-world impact, often in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.

About the Role

The will serve as a key researcher and thought leader, conceptualizing, designing, and executing advanced technical research projects in support of the DoD. This role requires significant independence, innovation, and collaboration with stakeholders across the Government, with opportunities to contribute state-of-the-art technology, mentor PhD students and shape research that supports both academic and defense-related applications.

This position may involve work on projects that require access to classified information.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceive, plan, and drive highly specialized, basic and applied independent research projects in support of DoD mission priorities.
• Provide leadership and direction to collaborating researchers and students, including supervision of PhD thesis research.
• Develop research ideas, design experiments, and create algorithms, software, and / or hardware solutions to address complex computer science and engineering challenges.
• Analyze and interpret research data, author scholarly publications, and present findings to sponsors and the scientific community.
• Identify and evaluate data sources, emerging technologies, and methodologies relevant to specialized research areas.
• Apply scientific principles to plan, coordinate, and execute research objectives with significant judgment and innovation.
• Contribute to long-term research goals in collaboration with internal teams and external partners, including government sponsors.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Qualifications

The annual base salary range for this position is $, to $,. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education / training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Why work at ICT :

Minimum Education : Doctorate Minimum Experience : <1 year Minimum Skills : Demonstrated record of outstanding research contributions and experience. Proven technical proficiency, exceptional creativity, successful collaboration with others, and independent thought. Strong managerial skills. Demonstrated reputation as an emerging leader in field with sustained performance and accomplishment. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize research directions, exert technical leadership, communicate technical ideas, coordinate individual contributions to a research program, and present research plans and results in a manner that will elicit favorable funding actions. Preferred Experience : 5 years Preferred Skills : Nationally recognized reputation for excellence in area of expertise.