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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct cutting-edge research on hardware security and identify vulnerabilities.
- Company: Respected UK organisation focused on advanced cyber and security research.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, pension scheme, and annual bonuses.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence future cyber capabilities with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in hardware development, programming, and vulnerability research.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Key highlights
- Salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid working, average 2 days onsite per week
- Hands-on research role working at the cutting edge of cyber and hardware security
- SC clearance required
About the client
Our client is a highly respected UK organisation delivering advanced cyber and security research for critical national programmes. They invest heavily in innovation, technical excellence, and long-term capability building. Due to continued growth in specialist research projects, they are now looking to appoint an experienced Vulnerability Researcher.
The benefits
- 37 hour working week with an early finish on Fridays
- Generous annual leave allowance plus public holidays
- Pension scheme with strong employer contribution
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced family friendly and sick pay policies
- Access to flexible benefits including health and wellbeing options
The Vulnerability Researcher role
As a Vulnerability Researcher, you will carry out deep technical research into hardware and embedded systems, identifying weaknesses and exploring novel attack techniques. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to design prototypes, test hypotheses, and document findings that directly influence future cyber capabilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Hardware teardown, characterisation, and reverse engineering
- Data extraction from flash memory technologies such as NAND, eMMC, and SPI
- Performing side channel attacks including timing, voltage glitching, and power analysis
- Developing rapid hardware and software prototypes
- Analysing system behaviour and network protocols to uncover vulnerabilities
- Producing clear technical documentation for a range of stakeholders
Vulnerability Researcher essential skills
- Experience with hardware development and prototyping
- Hands-on experience extracting data from flash memory
- Use of logic analysers, oscilloscopes, and advanced soldering techniques
- Understanding of side channel attack methods
- Programming experience in C, C++, Python, or similar
- Strong Linux knowledge and command line proficiency
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills
- Eligible for, or already holding, eDV clearance
Desirable experience
- Reverse engineering using tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja
- Vulnerability research, exploit development, or mitigation bypass
- Embedded development on ARM, AVR, or MIPS platforms
- Exposure to RF systems, SDRs, or mobile network technologies
- Network engineering experience in a lab or professional setting
Key skills: Vulnerability Researcher, hardware security, reverse engineering, embedded systems, side channel analysis, Linux, Python, C, cyber research, NSD
Vulnerability Researcher employer: NSD
Contact Detail:
NSD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vulnerability Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups, conferences, or online webinars related to cyber security. Engaging with professionals in the field can lead to valuable connections and even job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your vulnerability research projects, prototypes, or any relevant work. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical questions and practical scenarios. We recommend practising with friends or using mock interview platforms to get comfortable discussing your experience and problem-solving approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Vulnerability Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Vulnerability Researcher role. Highlight your experience with hardware development, reverse engineering, and any relevant programming skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about vulnerability research and how your skills can contribute to our cutting-edge projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your technical skills, especially in areas like side channel attacks and data extraction from flash memory. We’re keen on seeing specific examples of your hands-on experience, so be detailed!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSD
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
As a Vulnerability Researcher, you’ll need to demonstrate your hands-on experience with hardware development and prototyping. Brush up on your knowledge of hardware teardown and reverse engineering techniques. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've extracted data from flash memory or performed side channel attacks.
✨Show Off Your Programming Skills
Make sure you’re comfortable discussing your programming experience in languages like C, C++, and Python. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past projects, especially in relation to vulnerability research or exploit development. This will show that you can apply your coding skills to real-world problems.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
The role requires a strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to tackle hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you would approach identifying vulnerabilities in a system and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to side channel analysis, network protocols, and the tools you’ve used, like Ghidra or IDA Pro. Review common vulnerabilities and attack techniques, and be ready to discuss how you would document your findings for various stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
