Director of Research and Development, Center for Geospatial Information Technology

Virginia Tech's Center for Geospatial Information Technology (CGIT) seeks a Director of Research and Development to lead interdisciplinary, applied research at the intersection of geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, and national security. The director will expand Virginia Tech's environmental intelligence research portfolio by integrating forest and watershed science with defense and resilience needs, and will serve as a member of both the CGIT and NSI leadership teams. Key Responsibilities: Build collaborative funded research programs combining AI/machine learning, geospatial data science, and environmental modeling within secure and operational environments. Develop a diversified, sustainable research funding portfolio including federal, state, industry, and foundation partners. Sustain the position through externally supported research, contracts, and partnerships following an initial three-year start-up period. Train graduate students and analysts through dual-track fellowships in geospatial environmental intelligence utilizing NSI secure facilities. Develop a workforce pipeline prepared for roles at agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, USFS, DoD, and the intelligence community. Required Qualifications: Doctoral degree in geospatial science, environmental science, systems engineering, computer science, or closely related field. Demonstrated record of research excellence in geospatial analytics, AI and machine learning, or environmental modeling relevant to national security, resilience, or hazard management. Proven funding success as Principal Investigator on externally sponsored research, including federal or defense-related agencies. Experience integrating geospatial and defense intelligence data systems. Demonstrated record of developing multidisciplinary funded programs. Familiarity with emerging AI and machine learning applications for environmental sensing and decision support. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance required. Preferred Qualifications: Established networks within DoD, DHS, NOAA, or USFS. Experience mentoring in interdisciplinary research environments. Thought leadership in environmental resilience or geospatial intelligence. Application Deadline: June 11, 2026. Employment: 40 hours/week, exempt from overtime.