At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore telecom systems, uncover security flaws, and innovate with cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join UKTL, a leader in telecoms testing and cybersecurity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced pension, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Dive into exciting challenges and make a real impact on telecom security.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, strong research skills, and experience in software or hardware prototyping.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary for UKTL specialist roles are benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in‑market technical expertise.
This Role Speaks to You If… You’ve always been curious about how things work—especially when it comes to telecoms systems like 5G, fibre broadband. Maybe you know IP/TCP/HTTP but here you will work with SCTP/ NGAP / 5G SBI in carrier grade implementations that no one else has this level of access to! Whether you’ve worked in the field professionally or you’ve been diving into open‑source projects in your spare time, you’re someone who enjoys breaking things down, testing their limits, and uncovering security flaws others might miss. You’re not just interested in tech—you’re passionate about it. You love the challenge of understanding complex systems, and you’re driven by the thrill of building, testing, and sometimes even breaking things (ethically, of course) to make them better.
Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.
About You What You’ll Bring:
- Cybersecurity research within telecoms systems
- RF and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
- Artificial intelligence / Machine learning applied to networks or security
- Formal modelling and verification of protocols or systems
- Cryptography
- Hardware or software prototyping
- SIM / JavaCard technologies
- Non‑terrestrial networks
Alongside this, you’ll be able to evidence:
- Strong research capability, with experience investigating complex technical problems
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Experience developing software or hardware prototypes, turning concepts into working solutions
- Clear technical communication, including writing reports to a professional or publication standard
- Confidence working with Linux environments and quickly adopting new programming languages
- An understanding of development lifecycles and their impact on security
- The ability to navigate and apply academic literature and publicly available sources
Bonus points if you have experience with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro or Ghidra. Having curiosity and a strong research mindset is key.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.
About Us: UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll‑out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Successful candidates will join a state‑of‑the‑art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors.
As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity. As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome.
We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
Security and Privacy Researcher in Birmingham employer: National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory in Teddington is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. With a focus on cutting-edge research in power systems, employees benefit from opportunities to develop their skills in a collaborative environment, while enjoying the advantages of working in a prestigious institution dedicated to advancing measurement methods for electricity grid monitoring.
Contact Details:
National Physical Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security and Privacy Researcher in Birmingham
✨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 National Physical Laboratory, 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 National Physical Laboratory
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at National Physical Laboratory. 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 Security and Privacy Researcher in Birmingham
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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory
✨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 National Physical Laboratory 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 National Physical Laboratory.
✨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.
