Information Security Analyst

Location: London

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Are you passionate about making life science life changing and delivering impact for patients? We want to hear from you.

About the role:

As Information Security Analyst you will be the champion of information security across LifeArc and will be responsible for evaluating, testing, monitoring and maintaining LifeArc’s information security policies, procedures and systems. The Information Security Analyst will be our front-line defender to ensure security controls and processes are aligned with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and overall cyber security. You will be expected to continuously monitor networks and systems for threats and respond to security incidents. Working collaboratively with the Information Security Lead and the wider technology team, you will identify and investigate security risks or violations, determine root causes, and recommend improvements to prevent future incidents. This role is essential for safeguarding LifeArc’s critical information and IT systems, ensuring robust data protection, regulatory compliance and uninterrupted business operations.

Key responsibilities:

• Implement, maintain, and monitor core security controls including but not limited to; managing user access, hardening systems, and ensuring all protective tools and patches are up to date and functioning effectively across LifeArc.
• Continuous monitoring and incident detection through monitoring networks, servers, and endpoints for signs of security incidents or anomalies. Investigate alerts to determine validity and severity.
• Create, implement and oversee identity management systems in line with security and compliance need, and managing privileged access using the principle of least privilege.
• Champion compliance with frameworks such as ISO 27001 and help prepare evidence or documentation for any security audits or assessments.
• Perform vulnerability scanning on systems and networks and identify security risks and exposures in the technology environment.

Essential experience required:

• Strong hands-on knowledge of IT systems and security technologies.
• Experience with configuration of tools such as firewalls, and encryption solutions.
• Good working knowledge of industry security standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, SOC2, or CIS Controls.
• Ability to analyse and interpret security risks – including understanding common threat vectors and vulnerabilities.
• Experience with incident response processes and, ideally, basic digital forensics.

Education and/or Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Technology or a related field is highly desirable.
• CompTIA Security+ or other industry-recognised certifications such as GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certifications).
• Specialised training in areas such as incident response, digital forensics, cloud security, or ethical hacking can be advantageous.

Skills & abilities:

• Strong attention to detail when dealing with sensitive data and security records.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Cross-functional communication to be able to communicate and collaborate with non-security specialists.
• Ability to work with high integrity and confidentiality given the sensitive nature of the work; ensuring an ethical conduct is always practised.

About us:

LifeArc is a not-for-profit life science organisation, leading the way for change in rare diseases in the UK and supporting promising initiatives in global health. We seek out research in areas of unmet need that has great potential, providing support to help it become breakthroughs that change lives.

What we can offer you:

Focused on finding life changing solutions for underserved patients, our people thrive in an inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary approach guarantees our people growth opportunities, while our culture of innovation and collaboration drives the impact we make delivering on our purpose of ‘putting patients at the centre of everything we do’.

LifeArc is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible and developing a culture that values differences. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to candidates with a disability or long-term health condition who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Please note that in certain situations, such as high volumes of applications, it may not be practical to interview all eligible candidates. In these cases, we may need to select those who best meet the essential criteria.

Salary will be determined by qualifications and experience along with other exceptional benefits. Because we understand everyone has different requirements, our flexible benefits allow you to choose those which are important to you. Our pension scheme offers employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days PLUS bank holidays.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds, for example, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At LifeArc we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so whatever your background or lived experience, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. Our top priority is finding the best candidate, and you may be just right for this or other roles.

At LifeArc, we commit to advancing equal opportunities and building a diverse workforce by ensuring a fair, inclusive, and accessible recruitment experience for all. We employ individuals based on their suitability for the work to be performed and their potential for development, regardless of age, sex, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion, or belief. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion includes creating a culture where everyone feels they belong, is valued for who they are and has the opportunity to translate their potential.

We want every candidate to do their very best. If you require special assistance or reasonable adjustments, please be sure to let us know in advance what will be most useful for you and / or to discuss your needs.

Please note we are actively recruiting, and the closing date may be brought forward if we find the right person for this role.