IT Network/Security Specialist

Job Posting Title:

IT Network/Security Specialist

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Hiring Department:

Department of Computer Science

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Jun 01, 2024

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Mar 01, 2027

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

Must be eligible to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. Position expected to continue until March 1, 2027.

Deadline for Application: Applications will be reviewed continuously until the position is filled.

Purpose

Project Affiliation: Army Contract for AI-Driven Network Optimization

About the Project: This exciting opportunity at the University of Texas at Austin involves working on a cutting-edge AI networking project under the guidance of Professor Chandrajit Bajaj. The project focuses on developing Predictive Intelligent Networking (PIN) agents, employing advanced AI techniques for rapid response decision-making in predictive intelligent communication networks. Our innovative approach centers on enhancing network efficiency, reducing overhead traffic, automating PACE communications planning, and improving scalability in challenging environments. Our project is dedicated to crafting advanced machine-learning algorithms specifically designed for network optimization and security challenges. Through rigorous real-world simulation scenarios, we aim to deliver robust solutions that excel in environments with incomplete or uncertain data. This role offers the chance to be part of a pioneering effort to create generic solutions for heterogeneous Army networks, working within the confines of existing network protocols.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment at the University of Texas at Austin.

• Opportunities to work on pioneering technologies in AI and network security.

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at the Computer Visualization Lab.

• A chance to contribute to a project with a significant impact in the field of C5ISR communications.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage for full-time employees (50% employer-paid medical insurance for dependents)

• Retirement contributions 

• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance network topologies, ensuring data transfer is optimized for efficiency and security within AI-driven communication frameworks.

• Develop and enforce comprehensive security protocols, aiming to safeguard network systems against a variety of threats and vulnerabilities.

• Play a pivotal role in the conceptualization, development, and fine-tuning of AI agents designed to intelligently manage and optimize network operations.

• Provide significant contributions to the simulation platform, engaging in rigorous testing and validation to ensure performance and resilience under real-world operational scenarios.

• Leverage advanced machine learning techniques to address and overcome challenges in network optimization and security, particularly in scenarios characterized by data paucity or ambiguity.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency in networking and security protocols.

• Demonstrated experience with AI/machine learning, particularly in networking contexts.

• Strong programming skills and familiarity with network emulation tools like EMANE.

• Ability to work methodically in a research-focused, phased project environment.

• Production experience with at least two computer programming languages

• At least 2 years of experience in software development, including 1 year of system administration.

• At least 3 years of software development on complex systems

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Networking, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

• Prior experience in a research or project-based environment, especially in military or defense-related projects.

• Knowledge of PACE Routing, Load Balancing, and Traffic Prioritization techniques.

Salary Range

$108,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.