Director of Research and Development, Center for Geospatial Information Technology

Company: Virginia Tech
Location: State Farm
Posted on: February 22, 2026

Job Description:

The Director of Research and Development for CGIT will lead interdisciplinary, applied research at the intersection of geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, and national security. The director will expand Virginia Tech’s research portfolio in environmental intelligence by linking forest and watershed science with mission-critical needs related to defense, infrastructure resilience, and hazard preparedness. The director will serve as a member of both the CGIT and NSI leadership teams and will be responsible for building collaborative funded research programs that integrate Virginia Tech’s expertise in AI and machine learning, geospatial data science, and environmental modeling within secure and operational environments. A central responsibility of the role is the development of a diversified, sustainable research funding portfolio that includes federal, state, industry, and foundation partners. Following an initial three-year start-up period, the director is expected to sustain the position through externally supported research, contracts, and partnerships, consistent with the mission of CGIT and NSI. The appointment will include a research professorial rank (e.g., research assistant professor, research associate, professor, or research professor) to be confirmed upon hire. For qualified candidates, a tenure-track or tenured appointment may be made in an appropriate academic department. Final rank will be determined at the time of offer. Required Qualifications - Doctoral degree in geospatial science, environmental science, systems engineering, computer science, or a 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 - Credentials aligned to the research professorial rank offered - Experience integrating geospatial and defense intelligence data systems - Demonstrated record of developing multidisciplinary funded programs that integrate technical, organizational, and policy dimensions of environmental systems - Familiarity with emerging AI and machine learning applications for environmental sensing and decision support - U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance - Strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills Preferred Qualifications - Established professional networks within DoD, DHS, NOAA, USFS, or related agencies - Track record of building and scaling research portfolios supported by diverse funding sources - Experience mentoring researchers and students in interdisciplinary or secure research environments - Recognized thought leadership in environmental resilience, geospatial intelligence, or AI applications for natural systems Overtime Status Exempt: Not eligible for overtime Appointment Type Restricted Salary Information Commensurate with Experience Hours per week 40 Review Date March 10, 2026 Additional Information The appointment will include a research professorial rank (e.g., research assistant professor, research associate, professor, or research professor) to be confirmed upon hire. For qualified candidates, a tenure-track or tenured appointment may be made in an appropriate academic department. Final rank will be determined at the time of offer. The Director of Research and Development for CGIT will lead interdisciplinary, applied research at the intersection of geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence, and national security. The director will expand Virginia Tech’s research portfolio in environmental intelligence by linking forest and watershed science with mission-critical needs related to defense, infrastructure resilience, and hazard preparedness. The director will serve as a member of both the CGIT and NSI leadership teams and will be responsible for building collaborative funded research programs that integrate Virginia Tech’s expertise in AI and machine learning, geospatial data science, and environmental modeling within secure and operational environments. A central responsibility of the role is the development of a diversified, sustainable research funding portfolio that includes federal, state, industry, and foundation partners. Following an initial three-year start-up period, the director is expected to sustain the position through externally supported research, contracts, and partnerships, consistent with the mission of CGIT and NSI. The appointment will include a research professorial rank (e.g., research assistant professor, research associate, professor, or research professor) to be confirmed upon hire. For qualified candidates, a tenure-track or tenured appointment may be made in an appropriate academic department. Final rank will be determined at the time of offer. Key Mission Areas Operational Geospatial Intelligence for Natural Systems Potential Develop shared data and decision platforms integrating satellite, aerial, and in-situ sensor data for forests, watersheds, and coastal systems vulnerable to extreme weather Deploy AI and machine learning analytics for early detection of risk, including wildfire, flooding, wind damage, and debris flows Deliver real-time dashboards and situational awareness briefings to agency partners Critical Infrastructure and Installation Resilience Opportunities Map vulnerabilities of military installations, energy corridors, and transportation networks that depend on upstream forest resilience and sustainable water management Align data streams with national readiness and resilience frameworks through NSI’s defense network National Environmental Threat Monitoring Opportunities Establish a joint CGIT–NSI operations capability providing situational awareness during active disasters and extreme events Integrate environmental modeling with secure data infrastructure to deliver operational intelligence products to funding agencies or partners Education, Workforce Development, and Security Opportunities Train graduate students and analysts through dual-track fellowships in geospatial environmental intelligence Utilize NSI secure facilities to host classified or sensitive briefings for partner agencies Develop a workforce pipeline prepared for roles in agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, USFS, DoD, and the intelligence community The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Keywords: Virginia Tech, Alexandria , Director of Research and Development, Center for Geospatial Information Technology, Science, Research & Development , State Farm, Virginia