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Department Overview:
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The Wisconsin Traffic Operations and Safety (TOPS) Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison supports transportation operations, safety, research, technology development, and data management initiatives throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Working closely with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and other public-sector, academic, and industry partners, TOPS develops and operates technology solutions, data systems, and applications that support transportation operations, research, and decision-making activities.
To support this mission, TOPS maintains a diverse technology environment that includes enterprise infrastructure, cloud and on-premises systems, applications, databases, networks, and cybersecurity controls. Many of these systems operate continuously and support critical services used by transportation professionals, researchers, partner organizations, and the public.
The Graduate Project Assistant will work with the TOPS IT team to evaluate, document, and improve the security posture of these systems. This position provides hands-on experience with cybersecurity operations, vulnerability management, infrastructure security, risk assessment, security documentation, policy development, and emerging cybersecurity technologies in a real-world production environment.
This role is ideal for a student who wants practical cybersecurity experience, enjoys solving problems, communicates effectively, and is interested in helping an organization make thoughtful, risk-based security decisions that support both security and operational objectives. |
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Anticipated Start Date:
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09/14/2026 |
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Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):
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Remote Work Eligibility Detail:
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Partially Remote
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Anticipated Hours Per Week:
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Minimum: 20 Maximum: 20 |
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Schedule:
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50% PA ~ 20 hours per week
Work week schedule discussed and set on hire. |
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Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:
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Minimum: $37417 lump sum |
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Number of Positions:
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1 |
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Qualifications:
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Required Qualifications
Enrollment in a graduate degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated interest in cybersecurity through coursework, projects, internships, certifications, research, or independent study.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to analyze technical problems and communicate recommendations clearly.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with Windows Server and Linux administration.
Familiarity with networking concepts, firewalls, and network security.
Experience reviewing or analyzing vulnerability assessment or vulnerability management results.
Familiarity with Active Directory administration and security concepts.
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, standards, or best practices.
Familiarity with DevOps, application security, cloud technologies, or CI/CD concepts.
Experience writing technical documentation, procedures, or policies.
Interest in artificial intelligence and automation within cybersecurity operations.
Security+, Network+, or other cybersecurity-related certification is a plus. |
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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Understanding of cybersecurity principles including defense-in-depth, least privilege, vulnerability management, and risk assessment.
Knowledge of network security concepts and firewall technologies.
Ability to review and analyze vulnerability scan data and identify remediation priorities.
Ability to document systems, processes, configurations, risks, and recommendations clearly and accurately.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to communicate technical information through written documentation.
Ability to balance security recommendations with operational and business requirements.
Ability to evaluate risk and recommend practical solutions rather than purely theoretical controls.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to learn new technologies quickly and apply security concepts to real-world environments.
Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to ask questions and seek deeper understanding.
Ability to communicate findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Interest in researching emerging cybersecurity trends, technologies, and AI applications.
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Position Summary/Job Duties:
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The Graduate Project Assistant will work alongside the IT Manager and technical staff to help evaluate, document, and improve the cybersecurity posture of UW TOPS Lab systems and services. This position provides broad exposure to infrastructure security, vulnerability management, enterprise systems, policy development, and emerging cybersecurity technologies.
The successful candidate will assist in securing systems and applications that support 24x7 operations for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and other partners. This role provides an opportunity to gain practical cybersecurity experience while working in an environment where security, reliability, usability, and operational effectiveness must be thoughtfully balanced.
Primary Responsibilities
Evaluate infrastructure components, system configurations, and operational processes to identify security risks and recommend improvements.
Review and analyze Qualys vulnerability scan results, assist with remediation prioritization, and help improve vulnerability management processes.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, security procedures, standards, diagrams, and operational processes.
Document risks, remediation recommendations, implementation plans, and security decisions.
Assist with the review and analysis of Palo Alto firewall policies and Windows/Linux server firewall rules.
Assess Active Directory configurations, permissions, group policies, and security controls and provide recommendations for improvement.
Assist with Infoblox administration, configuration review, documentation, and security-related initiatives.
Research and evaluate opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence and automation to improve cybersecurity operations and efficiency.
Support cybersecurity best-practice initiatives related to software development, communications, deployment processes, and CI/CD pipelines.
Participate in security reviews, meetings, and project planning activities.
Conduct research on emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and mitigation strategies.
Work collaboratively with technical staff and stakeholders to identify practical, risk-based solutions that improve security while supporting operational needs.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is genuinely interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career and is excited about learning through real-world experience. They are curious, ask thoughtful questions, communicate effectively, and take ownership of projects. They enjoy solving problems, documenting findings, and helping organizations make informed security decisions.
Success in this role requires recognizing that effective cybersecurity is not simply about making systems more secure, but about implementing security controls that appropriately balance risk, usability, operational requirements, and organizational objectives.
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Physical Demands:
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Ability to perform work in a standard office and/or remote work environment.
Ability to operate a computer and other standard office equipment for extended periods.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, by phone, and through written communications.
Ability to remain stationary and work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
Occasional travel between campus offices, laboratories, or meeting locations may be required.
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Institutional Statements:
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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu
Accommodation Statement:
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
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