Carnegie Mellon University

Principal Information Security Officer - Mellon College of Science - Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center

Pittsburgh, PA Full time

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC) a joint research center of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, was established in 1986, and for over 30 years has provided university, government, and industrial researchers with access to several of the most powerful systems for advanced computational research, communications, and data storage available to scientists, engineers, and scholars nationwide for unclassified research. PSC advances science across a wide spectrum of fields, including artificial intelligence/machine learning, medical imaging, weather modeling, cell biology, and genomics.

PSC provides a high performance computing and communications service in support of the nation’s computational science work. In addition, PSC is a member of NSF ACCESS, a national computer collaboration of 15 partners from across the U.S. that provides high performance computing, networking, data, scientific visualization and instrument services to the nation’s scientists. The overall responsibility of the Principal Information Security Officer (PISO) is to lead teams of PSC staff members, particularly from the Networking and Systems & Operations groups, in order to develop and implement plans for integrated network-, host- and human-based information security practices and procedures for PSC.

The PISO keeps PSC leadership informed about current, ongoing, and emerging security risks affecting both PSC and the broader academic community. In addition to internal responsibilities, the PISO serves in external roles as a key member of Trusted CI—the NSF Cybersecurity Center of Excellence—and in a leadership capacity for the NSF ACCESS Security Team.

Within PSC, the PISO collaborates with staff to assess computer security risks, select and implement appropriate safeguards, develop and execute security plans, monitor the effectiveness of measures, and lead responses to security incidents. In Trusted CI, the PISO undertakes similar responsibilities as directed by its leadership, with a particular focus on advancing cybersecurity interoperability.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Oversees information security of leading edge computing and communications equipment. that is in round-the-clock use by the national research community. PSC's Equipment is valued at roughly $60 million.
  • Leads teams of cybersecurity experts from PSC.
  • Oversees ACCESS Security Team activities including: policy development, incident response, project planning and advancement, vulnerability evaluation and risk management, reporting requirements to ACCESS and NSF.
  • Actively participates in Trusted CI projects and initiatives, assists with center operations, and leads projects with other Trusted CI staff. Will serve as PSC site lead and Co-PI for Trusted CI.
  • Coordinate security in PSC: Conduct periodic assessments of PSC’s cybersecurity program (based on the Trusted CI Framework core). With input from members of a team and/or leadership, enhance PSC’s cybersecurity program.
  • Stay current with new security threats, technological advances, and regulatory requirements.
  • Explore applicable cybersecurity improvement strategies and tactics.
  • Lead team that carries out the implementation plans. Coordinate periodic audits of compliance of PSC practices and procedures to requirements, regulations, and standards.
  • Lead PSC incident response, including protection and custody of evidence. Interact with law enforcement or organizations as necessary.
  • Oversee development, maintenance, and dissemination of PSC’s documentation on center information security policies and procedures.
  • Participate in local and national computer security incident response groups.
  • Develop and promote cybersecurity awareness among staff and users.
  • Work with trusted partners/projects (CMU/Pitt/HuBMAP/Neocortex/BIL) IRT cybersecurity projects and programs.
  • Serve as a [CP}ISO on related projects (Neocortex, HuBMAP, BIL, SenNet, ACCESS, etc
  • Regularly report to PSC management on information security posture and oversee scheduled security training for staff and users.
  • Acts as team leader. Determines own and team's priorities based on overall goals, and may deviate from established procedures and practices as long as end results meet performance objectives and established goals.
  • Gives advice and counsel to PSC, Trusted CI and ACCESS higher management which significantly influence decisions.
  • Performs under minimal supervision. All normal duties and responsibilities are handled independently. Only the most difficult or unique situations are referred to higher management levels.
  • Assesses the severity of an information security or system problem independently and makes a problem determination quickly.
  • Regular status reports and attendance at various meetings is required.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field.
  • Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  • A graduate degree in cybersecurity or related field, or certification such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CRISC is preferred.
  • Broad understanding of current computer, data and networking information security practices in a high performance computing and communications environment; demonstrated ability to apply that knowledge to develop and implement a practical, effective security program.
  • Excellent analytical, technical, reasoning, and innovative problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to lead teams and to function competently in a team environment.
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively and courteously with members of PSC, the broader university community, ACCESS and its partner sites, Trusted CI, and the NSF Cyberinfrastructure community.
  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

  • Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Security

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: 

  • Please visit Why Carnegie Mellonto learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

  • Statement of Assurance