An incubator in an academic setting, located on the Charles River Campus of Boston University, the Hariri institute for Computing (HIC) is a fast-paced environment where creativity, flexibility, and collaboration are essential. True to its motto of “leveraging the computational perspective in a data-driven world for a better society”, the Institute strives to initiate, catalyze, and propel transformative computational and data-driven research and training initiatives across the landscape of academic disciplines at Boston University.

The Research Scientist role is a part of the Research Development Fellowship program meant to increase significantly the Institute’s capacity to initiate and support large collaborative research projects involving its affiliated faculty. Serving as principal investigators or senior personnel, RDFs are expected to take a leading role in the conception and development of such projects as well as in securing government and industry funding.

Towards that end, the responsibility of Research Development Fellows may include:

1. Assisting faculty affiliates in social, physical, natural, and medical science disciplines with the conception and pursuit of computational or data-driven components of projects they wish to incubate at the Institute or propose to sponsoring agency, foundation, or industry;
2. Assisting faculty affiliates in computing sciences with the conception and pursuit of translational research projects, focused on the development of prototypes that leverage prior research results for purposes of technology transfer and/or follow-up funding;
3. Collaborating with faculty affiliates as the co-investigator or senior personnel responsible for undertaking the computational or data-driven components of their projects;
4. Identifying opportunities for sponsored research, bringing these opportunities to the attention of appropriate faculty affiliates, and working with them on the development of competitive responses;
5. Working with the Institute leadership and with collaborators from across the university on the conception and pursuit of proposals for computational, data, or software platforms as well as proposals for education and training initiatives;
6. Leading an independent, sponsored research agenda that leverages general, and to the Hariri Institute in particular.
7. Teaching courses and subsequently advising students in a cognate department or college.

The RDF program is intended for recent Ph.D. graduates in computing and resources and capacities that are unique to Boston University in data sciences who are particularly suited for and interested in pursuing impactful cross-disciplinary, integrative research that is not beholden to the expectations of traditional disciplinary tenure-track academic career paths.

RDF appointments are for a fixed two-year term at 75% effort, which could be supplemented up to 100% through sponsored projects. Based on their achievements during this initial 2-year term, RDFs may be considered for permanent appointments in research development roles at the Hariri Institute. RDFs will report to the Institute’s Director.

This is a newly created position and is available now. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, agile, start-up-like environment, but also long for the creativity, flexibility, and collaborative nature of academia, we encourage you to apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Application materials should include (1) an up-to-date Curriculum Vita, (2) names and contact information of up to five references who can comment on the candidate's suitability as a Research Development Fellow, and (3) a 2-page statement that summarizes the candidate's interest in and preparation for taking on this opportunity.

IN ADDITION TO APPLYING THROUGH BU'S EMPLOYMENT WEBSITE HERE, APPLICATION MATERIALS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO HICADMIN@BU.EDU. PLEASE INCLUDE "RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM" IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR EMAIL. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE POSITION IS FILLED.

Required Skills

• PhD in computer science or in a related field.
• Solid record of successful collaborative research and/or development.
• Familiarity/Experience with sponsored research and/or project management processes.

Traits and Aspirations of Successful Candidates

• Entrepreneurial mindset that values the freedom afforded in an academic setting.
• Interest in building a broad network of like-minded collaborators.
• Strong verbal and written expository and communication skills.
• Capacity to branch out and learn about research areas beyond computing.
• Attention to details and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to motivate and instill confidence in teammates and collaborators
• Proactive leadership from behind.
• Sense of humor!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.  

Required Experience

• PhD in computer science or in a related field.
• Solid record of successful collaborative research and/or development.
• Familiarity/Experience with sponsored research and/or project management processes.

Traits and Aspirations of Successful Candidates

• Entrepreneurial mindset that values the freedom afforded in an academic setting.
• Interest in building a broad network of like-minded collaborators.
• Strong verbal and written expository and communication skills.
• Capacity to branch out and learn about research areas beyond computing.
• Attention to details and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work in a fast paced and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to motivate and instill confidence in teammates and collaborators
• Proactive leadership from behind.
• Sense of humor!

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.