Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Birmingham Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team tackling exciting cyber security challenges for national security.
  • Company: Be part of the National Physical Laboratory, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a great work-life balance tailored to your needs.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on UK security while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in vulnerability research and a passion for security are essential.
  • Other info: Must be able to commute to Birmingham at least twice a week and obtain SC clearance.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

About the Role

This role will be part of a small team of Vulnerability Researchers, tackling some of the most interesting cyber problems with a meaningful and tangible impact on the national security of the UK. You will be instrumental in standing up an industry-leading security facility.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in 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 business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in. About You

  • Experience in multiple VR roles and/or organisations.
  • An interest and aptitude for vulnerability research (either from a professional background or by demonstrating an aptitude).
  • A passion for understanding how things work, testing them, pushing them to their limits, and finding security issues in them.
  • A deep understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles and their impact on security practices.
  • Applied knowledge of cryptographic algorithms and their uses (encryption, authentication, signatures, etc).
  • Knowledge of data structures, distributed systems, virtualisation and containerisation technologies.
  • A deep understanding of network protocols and how software works from assembly through to interpreted languages, and everything in between.
  • Experience of leveraging vulnerabilities such as memory corruption bugs (stack/heap/integer overflows, format strings), and techniques to bypass common security protections ( NX, stack canaries, heap protection, ASLR, etc.)
  • Knowledge and experience of embedded systems and operating systems, and hardware techniques for prototyping and debugging these.
  • Knowledge of Linux OS internals. Ability to self-learn any language, given appropriate resources to study and practice.
  • Practical knowledge of common white-hat exploitation toolsets and techniques for common flaws in low-level software, as well as web platforms ( SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, SSRF, upload/download abuse, RCE).
  • Reverse engineering experience ( IDA Pro, Ghidra).
  • Experience using debuggers such as GDB.
  • 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 have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

    Senior Vulnerability Researcher employer: National Physical Laboratory

    At the National Physical Laboratory in Birmingham, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration. Our work culture fosters a strong sense of community, offering flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance while tackling critical cyber security challenges. With ample opportunities for professional growth and development, you will be part of a pioneering team making a significant impact on national security.
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    Contact Detail:

    National Physical Laboratory Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Vulnerability Researcher

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vulnerability research and cybersecurity. Follow industry leaders on social media, read relevant blogs, and participate in online forums to stay updated. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the cybersecurity community. Attend conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with others in the field. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals for the Senior Vulnerability Researcher position.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Showcase your hands-on experience with vulnerability research tools and techniques. If you have personal projects or contributions to open-source software, be ready to discuss them. Practical examples of your skills can set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare for technical interviews by practising common vulnerability research scenarios. Brush up on your reverse engineering skills and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. This preparation will help you feel more confident during the interview process.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Vulnerability Researcher

    Vulnerability Research
    Cybersecurity Knowledge
    Hardware and Software Development Lifecycles
    Cryptographic Algorithms
    Data Structures
    Distributed Systems
    Virtualization Technologies
    Containerization Technologies
    Network Protocols
    Memory Corruption Bug Exploitation
    Security Protection Bypassing
    Embedded Systems Knowledge
    Operating Systems Understanding
    Hardware Debugging Techniques
    Linux OS Internals
    Programming Languages Proficiency
    White-hat Exploitation Tools
    Reverse Engineering (IDA Pro, Ghidra)
    Debugger Experience (GDB)
    Self-learning Ability

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vulnerability research and showcases your understanding of security practices. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in identifying and addressing security issues.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for cybersecurity and your interest in the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description, particularly your knowledge of cryptographic algorithms and reverse engineering.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your technical skills such as familiarity with Linux OS internals, experience with white-hat exploitation tools, and understanding of network protocols. This will show that you have the necessary expertise for the role.

    Prepare for Security Clearance: Since the role requires SC clearance, be prepared to discuss your background and any potential issues that may affect your eligibility. Ensure you understand the requirements and can provide any necessary documentation if asked.

    How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory

    ✨Showcase Your Passion for Vulnerability Research

    Make sure to express your genuine interest in vulnerability research during the interview. Share specific examples of projects or experiences where you pushed limits and identified security issues, as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and aptitude for the role.

    ✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

    Be prepared to discuss your understanding of hardware and software development lifecycles, cryptographic algorithms, and network protocols. Brush up on relevant technical concepts and be ready to explain how they apply to real-world scenarios, as this will show your depth of knowledge.

    ✨Highlight Reverse Engineering Skills

    Since reverse engineering is a key aspect of this role, be ready to talk about your experience with tools like IDA Pro or Ghidra. Discuss any relevant projects where you successfully exploited vulnerabilities, as this will illustrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.

    ✨Prepare for Security Clearance Questions

    Given the strict security requirements for this position, be ready to discuss your eligibility for SC clearance. Familiarise yourself with the process and be honest about your background, as transparency is crucial when it comes to security roles.

    Senior Vulnerability Researcher
    National Physical Laboratory
    Location: Birmingham
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