Lead Research Scientist

Job Description

Description

SAIC's Identity and Data Sciences Laboratory (IDSL) is seeking a Lead Research Scientist and subject matter expert in the field of biometrics and identity. The ideal candidate will have a background in experimental methods, written communication, and statistical data analysis using modern tools. The IDSL performs applied research on state-of-the-art biometric and identity technologies, including facial recognition, digital and physical identity document validation and other artificial intelligence systems, measuring their performance and assessing applicability to new client use cases.

Responsibilities:

* Work with the IDSL technical director to develop research projects that address clients' applied research and operational questions.

* Develop required analytic methods using on-premises and cloud-hosted computing resources.

* Design experiments and analyses to frame research problems and answer research questions while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

* Develop publication-quality data visualizations that clearly communicate findings.

* Work on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing short and long-term tasks.

* Lead applied research projects in collaboration with other IDSL scientists and domain experts, leveraging extensive

biometric datasets at the IDSL or recommend new data collections to meet research needs.

* Prepare complex research reports, technical whitepapers, and other deliverables that maintain operational relevance and meet client requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

* BS with 14 years or more of experience; (4 years experience in lieu of degree).

* Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust requiring U.S. Citizenship.

* Strong skills in SQL, R, Python.

* Experience using statistical methods for data analysis and visualization.

* Demonstrated experience with biometric and identity systems such as biometric image capture, image quality assessment, recognition algorithms, presentation attack detection, morph attack detection, and/or document validation.

* Demonstrated experience performing applied research.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

* Strong teamwork, resilience, and adaptability.

* Demonstrated self-direction and desire to learn.

Desired:

* Experience with government use-cases of biometric and identity systems.

* Experience with NIST, ISO, FIDO or other technical standards.

* Familiarity with privacy and security considerations for handling Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

* Experience with cloud service providers such as Azure, AWS, and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

* Experience with visualization tools such as ggplot2, matplotlib, or Grafana.

* Familiarity with version control systems such as Git.

* Demonstrated record of delivering research reports, technical whitepapers, and pro.

Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier Fortune 500 mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.5 billion. For more information, visit  For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.