Cyber Operations and Security Team Lead, Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy, 96142

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) in the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the Univeristy of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

MIDE is seeking a mission-driven and strategically oriented Cyber Operations and Security Team Lead to guide the institute's research direction and funding strategy in cybersecurity and cyber operations. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who understands the intersection of academic research, DoD priorities, and industry cyber needs and is excited to push the state-of-the-art in cyber activities.

The Cyber Operations and Security Team Lead will leverage existing programs to continue growing a portfolio of research and development (R&D) projects by aligning internal expertise (and partnerships with AI/ML teams) with external funding opportunities, building relationships with government and industry sponsors, and developing a multi-year vision for cyber operations and security initiatives.

• Strategic Research Planning
  • Develop and maintain a forward-looking cybersecurity research roadmap that reflects emerging DoD, federal, and industry cyber needs.
  • Align institutional capabilities with national security priorities through applied research initiatives.
  • Identify strategic areas for growth in cybersecurity operations, infrastructure, resilience, and analytics.
• Research Development and Funding Acquisition
  • Identify and assess federal funding opportunities (e.g., DoD BAAs, NSF, DHS, DARPA, IARPA) and coordinate competitive proposal development.
  • Lead or contribute to white papers, concept development, and collaborative proposal writing across faculty and research teams.
  • Build and maintain relationships with program officers, DoD sponsors, and prime contractors to position the institute for cyber-related research awards.
• Team and Program Leadership
  • Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team of research scientists, graduate students, and affiliated faculty engaged in cybersecurity R&D.
  • Mentor early-career researchers and students on applied research, proposal development, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Work closely with academic departments, labs, and technology transfer offices to foster internal collaboration and innovation.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with AI/ML researchers to expand the research portfolio and push the state-of-the-art.
• External Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
  • Represent the institute at DoD workshops, industry days, technical symposia, and federal research meetings.
  • Establish and grow relationships with partners in defense, government labs, and the private sector to support sponsored research and workforce development.
  • Lead or support collaborative initiatives between the university, national labs, and defense R&D entities.

Note: this position is grant funded and contingent on continued funding.

This position is not hybrid; the candidate selected will work in a shared office space, in-person, Monday through Friday. Limited flexibility on standard schedules may be discussed with supervisor.

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary
• Active or eligible U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher)

Strongly Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of relevant experience in cybersecurity, cyber operations, or cyber R&D, including experience with federally funded research.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and capturing external research funding, especially from DoD, DHS, or federal agencies.
• Familiarity with DoD cyber missions, funding cycles, and acquisition processes (e.g., BAAs, SBIR/STTR, S&T programs).
• Experience leading or managing research projects or programs involving multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to engage both technical researchers and external sponsors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Prior experience in or with a university-affiliated research center, DoD lab, or FFRDC/UARC
• Knowledge of key cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF), threat intelligence, cyber-physical systems, and applied research methodologies
• Strong proposal writing and research development skills
• Experience working with graduate students or mentoring junior researchers

Anticipated starting salary is $95,000 to $125,000 annually, commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.