NCSC AI Cyber Security Researcher Ref. 3259

Department Cyber Location(s) Cheltenham, London, Manchester Contract Type Permanent Salary Starting salary of £34,663 or £41,935 for the senior security researcher. An allowance of £6,250 is payable to London contracted employees. Job description

Plus, the opportunity to qualify, at level 1 (Data Science Blended) for a skills payment of £4,513 (per annum) based on your technical proficiency.

About us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
 
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly at the heart of systems that matter to the UK. It’s a technology that will enable attackers and presents a valuable target for cyber-savvy adversaries. However, it also presents an incredible opportunity for the UK to improve its defences.

AI and Cyber Security Research is crucial to our success, we’re looking for a Researcher and Senior Researcher with an interest in AI and Cyber Security. Our friendly, interdisciplinary team (IDT) work to understand how AI is relevant to NCSC’s mission to improve cyber security across the UK including:

• How AI systems might be vulnerable to hackers and how users can protect those systems.
• How AI might be used by cyber adversaries.
• How cyber defenders can use AI to automatically prevent, respond to, and investigate attacks.
• How human experts can best ‘collaborate’ with AI to enhance cyber defence.

What will the successful candidate be doing?

If you have a passion for cybersecurity and you join as a Researcher or Senior Researcher, you’ll develop and practice a range of skills, including desk-based research, coding, experimentation, data analysis and visualisation and scientific communication.

You’ll be working as part of a team, but also independently, to conduct research into this fascinating topic. You’ll work with partners across the intelligence community and wider government in the UK and internationally, making a vital contribution to UK security.
 
You’ll take on smaller projects and help us to understand the vulnerabilities, risks and opportunities associated with the use of AI and machine learning technologies. As part of this, you’ll work with a diverse internal community, as well as a large network of external partners, to collate information, conduct experiments to test theories and tools, and build proof-of-concept demonstrations of technical concepts. Alongside your research, you’ll present your findings to colleagues at NCSC and the wider intelligence community.
 
Alongside project work, you’ll have the opportunity to join workshops, hackathons, and other hands-on activities, contribute to public guidance on AI and travel abroad for training and collaboration. 

As a Senior Researcher, you could be working on larger projects and leading a team alongside identifying and understanding customer business outcomes. You’ll also take a lead on defining and directing areas of our workbook. You’ll use your prior experience of AI and/or cyber security to steer research projects and take an active role in mentoring and coaching other colleagues, contributing to the AI and Cyber Security community. You’ll demonstrate leadership qualities, supporting others to upskill and build their career in an inclusive environment. Crucially, you’ll be comfortable working with others in a fast-paced evolving environment, engaging an outward mindset to build and improve our culture, and ensure your team know what they’re working towards.

The successful applicant will need to have:

For theAI Cyber Security Researcher role, the set of technologies we already use is varied and constantly growing. As such, we don’t expect one candidate to have had experience, or be a technical specialist in (IT) however we’re looking for those with an interest in coding (particularly Python), statistics, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity – and experience in research or analysis for example through personal projects, degree related study, an online course, academic assignment or work within a related industry.
 
What we’re really looking for is an interest in data science and AI, a willingness to learn more and an innate curiosity. You’re the type of person that relishes solving problems and is willing to experiment to find a solution in this fast-paced environment. You’re comfortable working with others as well as independently, and able to communicate technical concepts to a range of audiences.

For theSenior Researcher role, we welcome applications from experienced candidates who currently work within a related field, regardless of educational background. We’ll expect you to have prior experience of research into AI and/or cyber security topics. You’ll be comfortable with Python coding, ideally with the Python data science and machine learning stack. You’ll have formal or informal experience leading a team and collaborating with senior leaders and technical specialists alike. You know how to coach and improve the personal and technical development of the team.

GCHQ Competencies
The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community. These competencies are based closely on the . The Level 2 competencies for the Researcher role and the Level 3 competencies for the Senior Researcher role you’ll be assessed against are:
 
• Driving Innovation and Change (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Changing and Improving)
• Continuously Developing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Developing Self and Others)
• Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together)
• Making Effective Decisions (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Making Effective Decisions)
• Delivering Outcomes (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Delivering at Pace)

Further information on

Benefits and Rewards
At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

For theAI and Cyber Security Researcher role, you’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663.

For theSenior AI and Cyber Security Researcher role, you’ll receive a starting salary of £41,935. 

Plus, the opportunity to qualify, at level 1 (Data Science Blended) for a skills payment of £4,513 (per annum) based on your technical proficiency.

For roles based in London, you’ll receive an additional £6,250 London Allowance. 

Other benefits:
• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• An environment with flexible working options
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave.
• Excellent pension scheme - with an average employer contribution of 27%

Equal Opportunities
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.