The University of Texas at Austin is hiring: Technical Director, Texas Open-Sour

Technical Director, Texas Open-Source Initiative (TOSI)

Hiring Department: Lyndon B Johnson School of Public Affairs

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

Summary: The Technical Director will teach courses in the Masters of National Security curriculum while leading the technical operations and strategic development of the university\'s Texas Open-Source Initiative (TOSI), a new component of the Clements-Strauss Intelligence Studies Project. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with teaching and leadership responsibilities, advancing the initiative’s mission to conduct ethical, rigorous open-source research while training students in the skills and ethics of open-source collection.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Operations: translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences, project manage multi-stakeholder initiatives, oversee the initiative\'s technical infrastructure, including secure research environments, data storage systems, and specialized OSINT tools; develop, implement, and socialize technical standards and best practices for research and digital investigations; ensure compliance with university data governance, privacy, and security policies; manage relationships with open-source communities and government partners.
• Research & Project Management: collaborate with faculty on complex technical investigations requiring advanced OSINT methodologies; provide technical guidance and support for student research projects; develop methodologies for reproducible, ethically conducted digital research; coordinate with the broader UT community and external partners including NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies.
• Educational & Training Leadership: teach two courses in the Masters of National Security curriculum; design and deliver technical workshops and training programs; mentor graduate students and postdocs; organize public engagement events; create educational resources and SOPs.
• Strategic Development: contribute to grant writing and fundraising; identify emerging technologies and methodologies relevant to open-source intelligence; build partnerships with industry, government, and academic institutions; represent the initiative at conferences and professional meetings; advise on ethical frameworks for digital investigations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Information Science, Digital Forensics, Political Science with heavy quantitative background, or related technical field, OR Master\'s degree with 5+ years of relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated experience with open-source intelligence tools and methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages for data analysis and tool development
• Experience with forensic analysis tools and methodologies for digital evidence
• Knowledge of GIS software, satellite imagery analysis, location intelligence
• Advanced skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, metadata analysis, and large dataset manipulation
• Understanding of web scraping, API development, and database management
• Knowledge of operational security, anonymization techniques, and secure research practices
• Deep understanding of social media platforms, their APIs, and data collection methodologies; experience with image and video analysis tools for verification and forensic analysis; knowledge of network analysis and relationship mapping; understanding of information warfare, disinformation, and content manipulation detection

Salary Range: $100,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility for remote work
• Occasional travel for conferences, training, and collaborative projects
• Typical office environment

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information (at least one from a supervisor)
• Letter of interest
• Optional: Portfolio of OSINT-related projects or tools developed

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply. You will be provided an option to upload a new resume for subsequent applications. All required materials must be uploaded in the Application Questions section. Once submitted, changes are not possible.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: You must apply within Workday. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume and any additional required materials noted above.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University does not discriminate on race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency: UT Austin will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing pay. Some restrictions apply to those with access to compensation information as part of their job functions.

Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9): If hired, you will complete the I-9 form and present documents proving identity and work authorization.

E-Verify: UT Austin uses E-Verify for new hires. For more information, see E-Verify materials.

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