Cyber Security Analyst

The GIS Directorate delivers the digital backbone of our university, integrating cutting‑edge IT, AV, cyber security and library services to support learning, teaching, research, and operational excellence. We’re a global, forward‑thinking team committed to delivering seamless, secure, and scalable digital experiences. We are seeking a Cyber Security Analyst who is passionate about protecting people, data, and systems in a dynamic, technology‑rich environment. In this role, you’ll help strengthen our security posture by monitoring threats, improving our defences, and guiding colleagues across the organisation on best‑practice behaviours. You’ll work with modern security tools, contribute to key compliance initiatives, and play a visible role in promoting a security‑first culture.

Responsibilities:

• The Cybersecurity Analyst will be a member of the Cyber Security and Compliance team providing end user security support, guidance, documentation and training.
• Contribute to the maintenance and monitoring of technical security services within IS including malware protection, vulnerability monitoring and scanning, remote access and internal/external firewalls.
• Contribute to the achievement of annual security certification for HWU such as the NCSC Cyber Assurance Framework and other frameworks.
• Work across the divisions within IS and with schools and professional services at all campuses to support, manage and maintain HWU’s cyber security and compliance services with respect to information systems and IT services.
• Provide security guidance, monitoring and technical support across the IS divisions as well as communicate and promote new security technologies and initiatives and raise awareness of the relevant issues and threats around security best practice.
• Represent the Cyber Security and Compliance team as well as IS across the University.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain core cyber defences: malware protection, vulnerability scanning, firewalls, and secure remote access.
• Support security incident response and contribute to annual certifications, including the NCSC Cyber Assurance Framework.
• Create clear policies, guidance, and documentation that make security simple and actionable.
• Promote new security technologies and build awareness across campuses worldwide.
• Work closely with staff and students across academic schools, professional service areas and sector partners (Jisc, UCISA, HEFESTIS) to stay ahead of emerging threats.

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to first degree level or equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
• Knowledge and understanding of current technologies and issues relating to cyber security and compliance.
• Knowledge and awareness of current trends and challenges in managing cyber security threats in a HE environment and compliance requirements.
• Understanding and awareness of the wider cyber security landscape and security best practice.
• Ability to write procedures and documentation in a clear, concise format that is understandable by both technical staff and end users.
• Demonstrable experience of managing own workload and changing priorities.
• Excellent level of IT literacy and comfortable working with professionals in other specialisms.
• Good track record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers, peers, stakeholders and others.
• Proven ability to solve technical or logistical problems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.

How to Apply:

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 15th February 2026. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment. We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.

Equality & Diversity:

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.

About Heriot-Watt University:

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team. Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.