At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge vulnerability research and exploit development in cybersecurity.
- Company: Join a global authority in security research with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and health benefits.
- Other info: Participate in competitions and mentor colleagues while shaping the security community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity and advance your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of vulnerability research and experience with major CPU architectures.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
A Lead Security Researcher within the Exploit Development Group (EDG) is responsible for conducting high-impact vulnerability research and exploit development that advances the state of the art in cybersecurity. The role contributes directly to NCC Group’s reputation as a global authority in security research by delivering original research with deep technical expertise and representing the organisation externally through publications, presentations, and industry engagement. Through both long-term strategic research and short-notice tactical support, this role helps protect clients, strengthen NCC Group services and shape the wider security community.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct vulnerability research and exploit development across a range of platforms, architectures, and technologies.
- Deliver high-quality vulnerabilities and reliable exploits as part of strategic research programmes.
- Provide short-notice tactical support to consulting, professional, and managed services teams in areas such as reverse engineering and exploit development.
- Advance exploit development techniques and contribute to world-leading security research.
- Participate in vulnerability research and exploit development competitions, such as Pwn2Own.
- Publish research findings and support their internal and external promotion through articles, whitepapers, presentations, and conference talks.
- Act as a subject matter expert within NCC Group, mentoring and supporting colleagues who are developing skills in vulnerability research and exploitation.
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver research and client outcomes to the highest possible standard.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong knowledge of vulnerability research and exploitation techniques.
- Experience with major CPU architectures and operating systems or platforms.
- Ability to reverse engineer software written in both unmanaged and managed languages.
- Understanding of common programming languages, vulnerability classes and exploitation methods.
- Knowledge of modern exploitation mitigations and approaches for bypassing them.
- Ability to research and exploit unfamiliar instruction sets, programming languages and platforms.
- Clear written communication skills for documenting and presenting complex technical findings.
Benefits
- Flexible Working: Balance your work and personal life with our flexible working options.
- Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
Lead Security Researcher employer: NCC Group
NCC Group is an exceptional employer for a Lead Security Researcher, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Manchester. With a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and opportunities to engage in high-impact research, the company provides a generous holiday allowance and flexible working options, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Join a team that not only leads in cybersecurity but also values your contributions to shaping the future of the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the cybersecurity community. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Lead Security Researcher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your vulnerability research and exploit development projects. Whether it's a GitHub repo or a personal website, let your work speak for itself. We love seeing what candidates can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with different platforms and architectures. We want to see your thought process when tackling complex problems, so practice explaining your approach clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at NCC Group. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something great!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Security Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Security Researcher role. Highlight your experience in vulnerability research and exploit development, and don’t forget to mention any relevant competitions or publications you've been involved in!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, clearly showcase your technical skills and knowledge of various platforms and architectures. We want to see your expertise in action, so include specific examples of your work that demonstrate your abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about cybersecurity and how your background aligns with our mission at NCC Group. Be sure to mention any mentoring or collaboration experiences too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status directly with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of vulnerability research and exploitation techniques. Familiarise yourself with major CPU architectures and operating systems, as well as common programming languages. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the Lead Security Researcher role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of your past work in vulnerability research and exploit development. Highlight any competitions you've participated in, like Pwn2Own, and discuss the outcomes. This not only demonstrates your skills but also your passion for the field.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear written communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your findings or write about them, so being articulate will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be a Team Player
Collaboration is crucial in this position, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve mentored others or contributed to team projects, as this will highlight your ability to support and lead within the organisation.
