Formal Methods Scientist

Job Description

Does a career focused on using formal methods to improve the security and resilience of the world's energy future intrigue you? Do you have expertise in the targeted development and application of formal methods, formalized mathematics, proof engineering, theorem proving, and related areas to practical challenges - like protecting cyber-physical systems? If so, we might have just the opportunity you're looking for! Our team works on-site 9x80 schedule located at our REC facility with every other Friday off! This is an exciting time to be in the field of formal methods for security and resilience. Protecting our critical cyber-physical infrastructure from adversaries is now recognized by both government and industry as one the country's highest priority challenges - we'd love to have you join us. Idaho National Laboratory's (INL) National & Homeland Security Directorate is seeking forward-thinking, diversely-experienced professionals who want to explore a career as a Senior Formal Methods Scientist. The person in this position will support innovative R&D in formal methods for improving the security and resilience with the effective and efficient development and application of formal methods in critical infrastructure, e.g., our electrical grid, manufacturing, oil & gas pipelines, nuclear energy facilities, government facilities, and transportation networks. Responsibilities include:

• Advancing methods and tools for effective and efficient application of targeted formal methods to improve the security and resilience of cyber-physical systems in critical infrastructure. This includes the following: industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, embedded high-energy real-time systems, industrial internet of things (IIoT), industrial processes, and industrial supply chains.
• Providing technical leadership (e.g., principal investigator, technical lead) for internal- and external- funded R&D for innovative applications of targeted formal methods. Such leadership includes collaborating with INL's strategic academic partners, and joint appointment faculty to co-develop and incorporate relevant pioneering tools and methods for critical infrastructure applications.
• Applying formal methods to carry proofs through future system versions. This includes practicable tools, infrastructure, methods, and research results. Resulting in high-impact novel applications which provides for a national toolkit for cyber-informed engineering, and a repository of codes, proofs, and models for evaluating and protecting critical infrastructure systems.
• Communicating research and project results internally and externally to advance the field and INL's leadership in the targeted application of formal methods to the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. Such communication includes writing peer-reviewed papers, organizing/participating in workshops, giving lectures, mentoring INL colleagues on the practical applications of formal methods, and embracing opportunities for thought leadership in the field.

Minimum Requirements: Experience applying formal methods to security and resilience challenges in complex systems.

• PR0200: Bachelors degree and 2 years experience, or Masters degree and 1 year experience, or Doctorate/PhD.
• PR0300: Bachelors degree and 5 years experience, or Masters and 3 years experience, or PhD and 2 years experience.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience with concepts from advance mathematical logic (e.g., temporal logic, separation logic, category theory, etc.).
• Proficiency in formal verification tools (e.g., interactive theorem provers, SMT solvers, hardware, and software model checkers, etc.).
• Knowledge of modern agile engineering methods such as Scrum, DevSecOps, and continuous-integration/continuous-delivery.
• Proven experience in writing successful research and development proposals, public speaking, and technical writing/publication.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem solving and project management skills.

Job Information

• PR0200: Salary Grade 200 ($81,288 - $134,100).
• PR0300: Salary Grade 210 ($93,492 - $154,212).
• Chosen applicants are required to show a demonstrated dedication to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

INL Overview: INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 5,000 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to discover new science and development technologies that underpin the nation's nuclear and renewable energy, national security, and environmental missions. INL Mission: Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure. INL Vision: Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure. Selective Service Requirements: To be eligible for employment at INL men born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov. Equal Employment Opportunity: INL is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide EEO to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Women and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable Accommodation: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Other Information: When applying to positions please provide your resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration. INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited. Benefits & Salary: We have an extremely competitive salary structure, robust relocation package, and a phenomenal benefits package. For more information, please visit: https://www.inl.gov/careers/benefits-overviewQualifications: .]]>