At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative AI projects in cybersecurity and drive impactful funding initiatives.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D agency transforming technology for societal benefit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in cybersecurity or related fields; PhD or equivalent experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 105000 £ per year.
Compensation: c. £105,000 per year.
Location: Kings X, London.
Work schedule: Tuesday – Thursday at HQ, Monday + Friday flexible.
Employment type: Full-time (flexible working arrangements possible).
Contract: Fixed-term until 11 December 2027.
Closing date: 28 June 2026.
About ARIA
ARIA is a new R&D funding agency built to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world‑class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.
Role Summary
ARIA is looking for a Technical and Translational Lead to drive the execution of a £20 m funding call on AI‑enabled formal methods for cybersecurity, part of ARIA’s Safeguarded AI programme. The role exists to ensure the funding call produces high‑leverage, red‑teamed, deployment‑relevant cyber‑defence systems.
What You’ll Do
- Technical delivery and sprint rhythm
- Design and run the operating rhythm for 8‑week sprint cycles (build/verify, red‑team, review, retarget) across funded teams.
- Work with funded teams to drive ambition, technical excellence and precise assurance claims, surface blockers and track progress.
- Coordinate red/blue‑team interactions so findings are timely, actionable and shape next‑cycle decisions.
- Shape and run programme workshops, milestone reviews, go/no‑go or double‑down recommendations, and final showcase moments.
- Strategic awareness and target selection
- Continuously assess how the programme can drive the largest possible gains for cyber resilience in the UK and globally.
- Monitor targets and programme strategy in light of AI capability and tooling progress, cyber misuse risk, formal‑methods tractability and real‑world adoption potential.
- Spot high‑leverage opportunities for AI‑enabled formal methods and advise on where ARIA should push, redirect, double‑down or stop.
- Translation and adoption
- Engage and leverage the UK cyber/CNI/AI/FM ecosystem to ground targets in operational needs, validate specifications and threat models, source field‑trial partners, and open adoption pathways.
- Help teams turn successful outputs into field trials, upstreamed components, partnerships, commercial routes, open‑source adoption, procurement pathways, or spin‑outs.
Who You Are
Someone who combines technical judgement, strategic awareness and executional drive in a fast‑moving, high‑ambiguity R&D effort.
The Strongest Candidates Will Likely Have
- Technical judgement across cyber, systems security and formal methods.
- Strategic taste about cyber resilience in an AI‑accelerated world.
- Executional excellence – drive sprint cycles, create cadence and coordinate multiple ambitious technical teams.
- Translational instincts – experience getting outputs into the world (demonstrations, field trials, adoption, upstreaming, commercial routes, open‑source uptake, procurement or spin‑outs).
- Stakeholder engagement – comfortable working with researchers, engineers, red‑teamers, operators, government, funders and senior technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
Experience in industry, government or applied research working on security‑critical software, systems security, vulnerability research, formal methods or deployment of cyber‑defence technologies. This may come from a PhD or equivalent deep R&D experience in computer science, mathematics, cybersecurity, systems engineering or a related field. The focus is on demonstrated judgement rather than a specific credential.
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with option to buy/sell additional days.
- Hybrid working arrangements – 60 % in office / 40 % at home.
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities.
- Enhanced family leave arrangements.
- Free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
- 2 days of paid volunteer days.
- 5 % defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Excellent office location in Kings X, London.
ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. You will be required to travel to different locations around the UK and internationally to support projects, depending on the Programme you are designated to.
Technical and Translational Lead - Safeguarded AI (Cybersecurity) employer: Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
ARIA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kings X, London, where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ARIA provides extensive learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive culture that values collaboration and technical excellence. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including 27 days of annual leave, enhanced family leave, and a defined contribution pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cybersecurity.
Contact Details:
Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical and Translational Lead - Safeguarded AI (Cybersecurity)
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA). Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical and Translational Lead - Safeguarded AI (Cybersecurity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA).
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
