Graduate student

Project
PREP0002795
Overview

The student will work with the NIST Center for Neutron Research’s (NCNR’s) Reactor Engineering staff to maintain and improve the cybersecurity framework of the NBS Reactor (NBSR).

Reactor Operational Technology Cybersecurity

Qualifications
  •  Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Graduate degree students are encouraged to apply. 
  • 1 year of relevant experience. 
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity penetration testing.
  • Familiarity with multiple scripting languages. 
  • Ability to develop prototypes of cybersecurity tools and testing procedures. 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. 
Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

  • Assessing and evaluating the cybersecurity posture of the NBSR Reactor Control Systems for vulnerabilities and risk.
  • Configuring industrial firewalls to satisfy zero-trust cybersecurity models.
  • Implementing procedures for cybersecurity vulnerability identification and testing for proposed digital systems to be integrated into the reactor. 
  • Interpret guidance from Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with assistance from NCNR engineering, and incorporate those recommendations into the NBSR Reactor Control Systems cybersecurity framework to be developed.
  • Assist in writing academic publications, technical reports or engineering documentation on the cybersecurity projects.
NIST Sponsor
James Whipple
Group
Reactor Operations and Engineering Group
Schedule of Appointment
Part time
Start Date
Sponsor email
Work Location
NIST/Telework
Salary / Hourly rate {Max}
$40,000.00
Total Hours per week
40
End Date