At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cutting-edge research into emerging cybersecurity threats and develop practical defensive solutions.
- Company: Join a high-growth cybersecurity software company with a remote-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical, life assurance, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Genuine exploratory research environment with scope for leadership as the team grows.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity by tackling complex challenges and influencing product development.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in security research, malware analysis, and strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location
UK (Remote-first / occasional London meetings)
Employment
Full Time, Permanent
This is an opportunity to join a high-growth, PE-backed cybersecurity software company whose technology protects organisations against sophisticated file-based and zero-day threats.
Following significant investment and continued growth, the business is expanding its technical capability and strengthening its dedicated security research function.
This senior appointment will take ownership of complex, open-ended investigations and turn original research into practical defensive capability.
You will explore unfamiliar technologies, analyse malicious material, build proof-of-concept files and become the internal subject-matter expert, working closely with developers to translate findings into live product improvements.
The Role
As a Senior Security Researcher, you will independently investigate emerging threats, unfamiliar file formats, technical specifications and potentially malicious content.
You will design experiments, develop proof-of-concept files and produce clear, evidence-based findings that other technical teams can use.
The ideal person is naturally curious and comfortable beginning without a known answer or established playbook.
You may come from security research, threat hunting, malware analysis, detection research or offensive security, but you must be able to demonstrate investigations you have personally owned and explain how your work created a practical outcome.
- Senior Security Researcher Responsibilities
- Lead independent research into emerging threats, attack techniques, file formats and security vulnerabilities.
- Investigate unfamiliar technical material and rapidly develop subject-matter expertise.
- Analyse suspicious files, malware, scripts and shellcode using static and dynamic techniques.
- Determine whether material is malicious or benign and understand its likely behaviour and objectives.
- Design experiments and build proof-of-concept files, prototypes and defensive solutions.
- Translate research findings into practical product capabilities alongside Software Engineering.
- Act as the internal SME, supporting developers and other technical teams through implementation.
- Produce clear, repeatable and evidence-based technical reports and demonstrations.
- Use AI-assisted tools to accelerate research while critically validating their output and limitations.
- Share research through internal briefings, technical publications, demonstrations or industry events.
- Senior Security Researcher Benefits
- £90,000 - £100,000 basic salary plus an attractive benefits package.
- Join a high-growth, PE-backed cybersecurity software company solving complex security challenges.
- Genuinely exploratory research rather than a role governed by a predefined playbook.
- Direct influence over the development of cutting-edge defensive cybersecurity technology.
- Remote-first UK culture with occasional meetings in Central London.
- Private medical, life assurance, critical illness and income protection.
- Scope to progress into project leadership or team management as the research function grows.
Senior Security Researcher Requirements
- Substantial hands-on experience in security research, threat hunting, malware analysis, detection research, red teaming or a related discipline.
- Evidence of independently owning complex, open-ended technical investigations within the last five years.
- Strong understanding of malware behaviour and the ability to classify suspicious material as malicious or benign.
- Practical experience of static and dynamic analysis, including scripts, shellcode or disassembled code.
- Ability to interpret disassembled code at a high level; deep binary reverse-engineering expertise is beneficial but not essential.
- Programming or scripting capability using Python, C++, C#, Power Shell, Bash or comparable languages.
- Experience working with developers and translating research into implementable defensive or product capability.
- Ability to discuss previous projects clearly, including your personal contribution, methodology and outcome.
- Published security research, technical blogs, white papers or conference presentations.
- Public Git Hub projects, proof-of-concept code or CVEs supported by detailed technical research.
- Experience developing detections, defensive tooling or capability within a cybersecurity product.
- A relevant degree or recognised offensive, defensive, malware or reverse-engineering certification.
Key Skills
Security Research, Malware Analysis, Threat Hunting, Reverse Engineering, Static Analysis, Dynamic Analysis, Python, Cyber Security
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Senior Security Researcher employer: Searchability®
Join a dynamic and innovative technology company in the heart of Manchester, where you'll have the opportunity to lead technical innovation on a mature SaaS platform. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, employee development, and a transparent progression framework, this role offers not only competitive pay but also unique benefits like profit sharing and regular team-building activities. Experience a vibrant work culture that prioritises autonomy and continuous improvement, making it an excellent place for passionate engineers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Researcher
✨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 Searchability®, 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 Searchability®
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Searchability®. 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 Senior Security Researcher
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 Searchability® 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 Searchability® that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability®
✨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 Searchability® 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 Searchability®.
✨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.