Job Summary
Merit Network, Inc., a non-profit corporation governed by Michigan's public universities, operates America's longest-running regional research and education network. Since 1966, Merit has been providing performance-driven networking solutions to Michigan's educational communities, including universities, colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations. Merit advances member success, research, economic development, collaboration, and professional development by leveraging its network infrastructure, expertise and the value of its member communities.
The Data Science Associate will play a crucial role in our research and development team, focusing on cutting-edge projects in communication networks, network security, advanced data analytics. You will have a background in both theoretical and applied aspects of computer science, with a focus on innovative solutions and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You will conduct a variety of programming tasks collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for both the Network/Cyber Research Team and the Technology Impact Research Team in ways that create applicable steps. You will report to the Director of Research. This job is a hybrid position located in Ann Arbor, MI.
About Merit Research: Network Research, Cybersecurity, and Technology Impact Research comprise the scope of our scholarship. Merit Research seeks to inspire and advance innovation in networking and cybersecurity. We also seek to increase the understanding of the societal impacts of technology, broadband and information access for the purpose of making the world a better place to learn, discover, work and live.
Merit Research will engage in practical and theoretical aspects of networking, cybersecurity, technology and broadband research in order to:
- Understand and advance the security and performance of Internet infrastructure
- Support academic learning and experimentation
- Enable cross-disciplinary, multi-institutional research collaborations
- Bridge gaps between academic scholarship and practical application
- Promote Internet freedom
Responsibilities*
Essential Functions for this position are followed by an (E).
As the Data Science Associate, your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare progress reports, presentations, and help develop technical research papers in the areas of communication networks and network security (E)
- Help develop required documentation for grant reporting requirements.
- Analyze and interpret meaningful insights based on data sets (E)
- Support ongoing grant-funded projects and contribute to future grant applications (E)
- Collaborate with researchers and industry partners to support the research line of business, increase collaborations and data sharing, and identify revenue opportunities for data licensing (E)
- Collect, store, annotate, and curate datasets to be used for cyber-security research by our team and external collaborators (E)
- Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies. Support research to develop new methodologies for threat detection and prevention (E)
- Develop software tools for data processing, analysis and visualizations. Prepare documentation and methods for quality assurance for all developed software (E)
- Serve as one of the system administrators for servers and other research infrastructure (E)
- Develop monitoring tools for diagnosis of infrastructure and data collection anomalies (E)
- Provide technical support to researchers and team members, helping them troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the servers and research infrastructure.
- Present research outcomes and results at relevant conferences and other venues (E)
- Other duties as assigned
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, cloud-based systems, and AV/teleconferencing software & equipment.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee (with or without accommodations) to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employee must frequently work at computer station, answer telephone calls, emails, and/or other forms of customer/client communication. Employee may on occasion be required to move items of various sizes and weights throughout the office or building.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in Linux-based systems.
- Experience with GitHub platform.
- Experience with Big Data platforms such as Apache Spark, Google BigQuery, etc.
- Experience with network device configuration, including switching and routing equipment, and networking protocols.
- Experience developing code in languages such as Go, Python or C/C++ software in a UNIX environment.
- Experience effectively communicating complex technical concepts and information to a wide range of individuals.
- Ability to work within a team setting.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with distributed systems (e.g., prior interaction with ZeroMQ or other messaging passing frameworks)
- Experience with front-end development.
- Experience with large-scale storage systems.
- Experience making presentations to technical and other audiences.
- Experience working in a fast-paced research and development environment.
- Experience working with higher education, K-12 educational institutions, libraries, research institutions, governmental organizations, and other public sector non-profit organizations a plus.
Modes of Work
This is a full-time, hybrid position. Though the typical work schedule is 8am ? 5pm, Monday through Friday for most staff, your work schedule will be determined with your supervisor and may change if necessary.
During your 6-month probationary period, you will be required to work on-site for at least 3 days per week at Merit's office location:
880 Technology Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
There may be some occasional work required outside of the established schedule, which may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Travel
Some travel for conferences and events will be required.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this job, please contact [email protected].
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.