Important Info
For full consideration, send a complete application in a single PDF to HAI-Fellowships@stanford.edu with the subject line: “HAI Postdoc Fellowship - Kochenderfer”
Adaptive Stress Testing (AST) For Cybersecurity Challenges
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to lead a research initiative focusing on the application of Adaptive Stress Testing (AST) to test, analyze, and improve the robustness to address national security challenges in cybersecurity. In particular, the postdoc will focus on applying reinforcement learning to discover vulnerabilities and failure modes in software systems that support critical infrastructure, in particular AI-based decision making systems. This project will be under the mentorship of Professor Mykel Kochenderfer in the Stanford Intelligent Systems Lab.
The postdoc will define promising research directions for extending AST to uncover vulnerabilities in complex systems, bridging gaps between traditional testing techniques and emerging security threats. This work involves developing novel techniques, algorithms, and software packages that enable more robust and scalable approaches to cybersecurity using AI-based techniques.
In addition to technical contributions, the postdoc will be expected to mentor graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative research environment. They will also help manage collaborations with external partners and stakeholders, ensuring the research remains impactful and aligned with real-world needs.
Finally, the postdoc will participate in disseminating research findings through presentations, talks, and publications.
Mentorship Structure
The postdoctoral research scholar will be supervised and primarily mentored by Professor Mykel Kochenderfer, Faculty Co-Director of the Stanford Center for AI Safety, and Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The researcher will also have opportunities for additional mentorship through laboratory partnerships with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) which will be structured according to research and professional interests.
Stanford HAI is also committed to creating a diverse community of scholars who are engaged in contributing to the understanding and advancement of Human-Centered AI. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to engage with one another and with the broader Stanford HAI research community. They are also expected to participate in professional development, cohort-building, and other programmatic activities organized by HAI.
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific record and potential.
- Potential contribution to the Stanford research community, both in the Lab and well as in collaboration with partner research centers like the Stanford Center for AI Safety and Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI).
- Ability to successfully translate research findings into impactful software tools that improve on the robustness and security of AI and critical software systems.
- Ability to lead complex research and development projects with multiple stakeholders and objectives.
- Applicants must have received a PhD from an accredited university before the appointment start date.
- Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent programming skills in Python and Julia with experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).
- Experience building complex software systems, preferably with industry experience.
- Research background in decision making systems, in particular the use of different optimization, machine learning, and decision making modeling techniques for problem solving.
- Desire to grow collaborative research and mentorship skills.
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2025
- Selections to be made by May 2025.
- This is a 1-year appointment starting Fall 2025.
(Applicants advancing in the review process may be asked to submit additional materials, including letters of recommendation, and may be invited to interview.)
Complete applications will include:
- Cover letter explaining your interest in becoming a postdoc with the respective research lab/center/faculty through the HAI Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (500 words max).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Short answer responses (300 max each):
- Description of your dissertation research and broader research agenda
- How do you see your research training and expertise contributing toward the understanding and advancement of Human-Centered AI? HAI thinks about "Human-Centered AI" through three focus areas.
- One representative writing sample (published or unpublished)