At a Glance
- Tasks: Research AI security and develop solutions to protect against cyber threats.
- Company: Join Lancaster University’s cutting-edge AI security group.
- Benefits: Access to state-of-the-art resources and collaboration with industry leaders.
- Other info: Work with an international team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI security research and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Computer Science with expertise in AI or cybersecurity.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking candidates to join our AI security group at Lancaster University, and become part of this rapidly growing research field. This position focuses on AI Agent Security, and specifically Shadow AI. ShadowAI - the deployment and use of Artificial Intelligence within an organisation without knowledge or approval from security teams - is a major issue within companies, given the rapid uptake of agents within organisations. ShadowAI is often hidden or embedded within software applications, and introduces threats spanning model backdoors, coordinated attacks, AI safety issues, and data leakage. This is particularly problematic given the introduction of ShadowAI at the computing edge to the wider organisation.
Current tools and methods proposed across both academia and industry are unable to address this issue. In this project, you will research how to defend AI agents from cyber attack. This research will provide opportunities resources atypical to a postdoctoral post, including a rapidly growing AI security lab, a large-scale GPU datacenter containing state-of-the-art foundation models, as well as direct collaboration with an award-winning AI security company Mindgard, where you will work with industry researchers to tackle real-world problems.
This project is a rare opportunity to become among the very few researchers in the world specialising in AI system security - an area that is becoming increasingly sought after in both academia and industry. You will have a PhD in Computer Science, with expertise within cyber security, Artificial Intelligence, or distributed systems. Direct experience within AI security, Adversarial Machine Learning, or workload anomaly detection would be a bonus. Findings of this research are intended to be rapidly disseminated into industry, thus experience with developing prototypes and good software development skills are desirable.
The Edge AI Hub is a £10M EPSRC project dedicated to systematic understanding of Cyber Disturbances in the context of edge AI. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the research theme by carrying out cutting edge research work in security and privacy of AI applications and processes on the edge. This is a unique opportunity to work with an international team of researchers spanning multiple institutions in academia and industry as part of the flagship UKRI hub in AI.
The School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University was ranked 14th in the UK for research power according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with 94% of research rated world-leading (4) or internationally excellent (3). Lancaster University Cybersecurity represents an area of major strategic importance for Lancaster and we have recently announced a £19m programme of investment in Security and Protection Science. Lancaster University is the only institution in the Northwest recognised as an ACE-CSR, ACE-CSE, and offering a double-certified (NCSC and BCS) MSc in Cyber Security.
Research Associate - AI Agent Security employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI security research within a rapidly growing field. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration with industry leaders like Mindgard, and a commitment to employee growth through innovative projects, you will be part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to tackling real-world challenges in AI safety. The supportive work culture and emphasis on cutting-edge research make Lancaster University an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - AI Agent Security
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the AI security field, especially those at Lancaster University or Mindgard. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research, projects, or any prototypes you've developed related to AI security. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in AI security, especially around Shadow AI. Be ready to discuss how your background in cyber security and AI can contribute to tackling real-world problems in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We have loads of resources and opportunities that can help you land that dream job in AI Agent Security. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - AI Agent Security
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate position. Highlight your PhD in Computer Science and any relevant experience in AI security or cyber security. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI Agent Security and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Let us know what excites you about this unique opportunity.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects related to AI security, be sure to mention them! Whether it's developing prototypes or tackling real-world problems, we love to see practical examples of your work that demonstrate your skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AI security, especially Shadow AI. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the field, as well as any recent research or tools that have been developed. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your PhD work and any relevant projects you've undertaken. Highlight your experience with cyber security, AI, and distributed systems. If you've worked on prototypes or software development, share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the position.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research group, the Edge AI Hub, and the collaboration with Mindgard. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Think about what you want to learn from this opportunity.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for someone who fits well within their team. Be genuine, express your enthusiasm for the role, and don’t hesitate to share your vision for contributing to AI security research.
