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 Research Computer Scientist 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.

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

• Strong knowledge of current and next-generation DoD simulation, training systems, and systems architecture.
• Strong knowledge of operational and intelligence platforms across the DoD.
• Experience working within or among DoD organizations, industry partners and academia
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) priorities and transformation initiatives, including tactical and operational thinking.
• Experience with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.
• Familiarity with defense requirements and acquisition protocols and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current with rapidly evolving technologies.
• Proven experience building and leading teams, fostering collaboration, and mentoring researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and obtain funding for projects

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications and contributions to research.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams and sponsors.
• Must have a current or be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (or higher) security clearance.

The annual base salary range for this position is $160,000 to $180,000. 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

• Work on exciting and engaging projects that have real-life impact.
• Small project team environment allows for involvement across entire project lifecycle.
• A quality work-life balance.
• Meet interesting people from all walks of life - technologists, social scientists, military, writers.
• Opportunities for free, top-tier university education for you and your children.
• Located in the heart of Silicon Beach.
• Great benefits - medical to matched retirement

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.

REQ Posted Date: 09/16/2025