At a Glance
- Tasks: Research AI Agent Security and develop solutions to combat cyber threats.
- Company: Join the innovative team at Lancaster University, a leader in AI security research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to cutting-edge technology, and collaboration with industry experts.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for career growth in a rapidly evolving field.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI security and make a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in Computer Science with expertise in AI or cybersecurity.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ 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.
We are a Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme. A Disability Confident employer generally offers an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people.
Senior Research Associate - AI Agent Security (two posts) employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of AI security. With access to cutting-edge resources, including a state-of-the-art GPU datacentre and partnerships with industry leaders like Mindgard, employees are positioned at the forefront of research and development. The university's commitment to employee growth, coupled with its recognition as a Disability Confident employer, ensures a supportive and inclusive culture where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate - AI Agent Security (two posts)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the AI security field, especially those connected to Lancaster University. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups to get your name out there and show your passion for AI Agent Security.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or research you've done in AI security. This could be anything from prototypes to papers. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in AI security, especially around Shadow AI. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to tackling real-world problems, as this is what the role is all about!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - AI Agent Security (two posts)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Research Associate in AI Agent Security. Highlight relevant experience, especially in cyber security and AI, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects or research that align with Shadow AI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about AI security and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your PhD and any hands-on experience you have with AI systems.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this position involves cutting-edge research, be sure to highlight your research skills and any publications or prototypes you've developed. This will show us that you’re ready to contribute to our innovative projects right away!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Lancaster University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI security, especially around Shadow AI. Familiarise yourself with current threats and defence mechanisms. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research or projects related to AI security or cyber security. Be ready to explain how your skills in adversarial machine learning or workload anomaly detection can contribute to the team at Lancaster University.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the research group and the specific challenges they face with AI Agent Security. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for a role in such a cutting-edge field.
✨Be Collaborative
Highlight your ability to work in teams, especially in interdisciplinary settings. Since this role involves collaboration with industry researchers, showing that you can effectively communicate and work with others will be a big plus.
