Research Assistant / Associate in Software Security in Newcastle upon Tyne

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full Time

Closing Date: 24 November 2025

There is an opportunity for a highly motivated and independent individual to join an EPSRC research project TRUSTED (SecuriTy SummaRies for SecUre SofTwarE Development) as a Research Associate or Research Assistant. The focus of this position is to design and develop theories and tools with solid foundations for secure open‑source software development. The developed solutions will protect against software supply chain attacks where the attacker compromises any steps in the software development process by deliberately incorporating vulnerabilities into the code to be triggered at a later stage of the software life cycle.

We are looking for an individual with strong conceptual, analytical, teamwork and problem‑solving skills who has the ability to plan the work independently with minimal supervision and adhere to a time plan to meet the deadlines. You should have demonstrable programming skill (preferably in functional languages, Rust or Java) and experience in tool development. The position is available on a full time basis until February 2027 (with possibility of extension).

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a plain text copy of your CV and cover letter only. In your cover letter, you should evidence how you meet the essential requirements for the role.

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct high‑quality research related to software security, open‑source software development and formal methods
• Work successfully in an inter‑organisational team including industrial partners
• Disseminate the project results and present the research results in written and oral form
• Contribute to the culture and general strengths of the research group and the school, through engaging in the group/school activities, organising and participating in events, etc

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven expertise in the areas of security, formal methods, program analysis and software engineering
• Experienced in programming and tool development
• Experience of presenting research at academic/non‑academic conferences
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of summary‑based and modular analysis, static program analysis, and information flow control (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to plan the work independently with minimal supervision and adhere to a time plan to meet the deadlines while producing high‑quality research
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel to present the project research results to academic and non‑academic audience, e.g., at national and international academic/industrial conferences, or to fellow academics in other disciplines
• Professional approach in the workplace with a commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect

Qualifications

• PhD awarded related to security, formal methods, program analysis or software engineering for Associate levels or nearing completion for Assistant level
• MSc degree with distinction in Computer Science or related areas, and industry experience related to at least two areas of security, formal methods, program analysis and software engineering for Assistant level.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.