Research Scientist Position Available In Charleston, South Carolina

Clemson University Job ID:

109630

Location:

CURI•

Charleston Full/Part Time:

Full-Time Regular/Temporary:

Temporary

JOB SUMMARY

: The Research Scientist will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity measures for the protection of DER systems. The Scientist will have experience in securing the communication, control, and management systems of DERs to ensure their resilience against cyberattacks, privacy breaches, and unauthorized access. Key areas of responsibility include threat detection, vulnerability assessments, risk management, and the development of secure protocols for the integration of DERs into broader energy grids. The Scientist will work closely with faculty, students, visiting scientists and industry partners engaged with Clemson’s MV test facility. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

: 50%

• Essential
• Design and implement cybersecurity strategies for distributed energy systems, including renewables, microgrids, and energy storage systems. Conduct security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses on DER assets, communication networks, and control systems. Conduct penetration testing and simulate attack scenarios to identify and mitigate potential security weaknesses in DER systems. 30%
• Essential
• Stay current with the latest trends in cybersecurity and industry best practices with reference to critical power equipment. Seek competitive grant funding to expand the capabilities of the eGRID facility and actively pursue publications in peer-reviewed journals. 20%
• Essential
• Provide oversight, guidance and mentoring to student interns and/or graduate students.

Ensure industry confidentiality, security of equipment and data. Build strong relationships with industry to further research and educational collaboration. Ensure all federal and state safety and environmental regulations and guidelines are followed at all times.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

: Education

• Doctoral / Professional Degree
• Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field. Work Experience
• 2+ years of directly related experience in cybersecurity, within the energy or critical infrastructure sectors.

In-depth knowledge of distributed energy resources (DERs), including renewable energy systems, energy storage, and microgrids. This position will require close collaboration and frequent visits to Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) located in Aiken, SC. Therefore, all qualified candidates must meet the minimum requirement of being a U.S. citizen, which is necessary to meet US Department of Energy security level clearances.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

: Work Experience

• with cybersecurity frameworks such as

NIST, ISO

27001, or

NERC CIP.

Proficiency in network security tools (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs) and secure communication protocols.

RESPONSIBILITIES

:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Firm Job Knowledge

• Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Acts as Lead

• Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Budget Responsibilities

• No fiscal responsibility for the department’s budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

: Work Experience

• with cybersecurity frameworks such as

NIST, ISO

27001, or

NERC CIP.

Proficiency in network security tools (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs) and secure communication protocols.

WORKING CONDITIONS

: 20%

• Exposure to heat or cold 20%
• Wet or humid 10%
• Noise 20%
• Mechanical hazards 30%
• Electrical hazards

WORK SCHEDULE

:

Standard Hours:

37.5 JOB

LOCATION

: Charleston, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE

: April 30, 2025 CLOSING

STATEMENT

: Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. PI266760096