At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop AI prototypes and tools for cybersecurity research with a focus on offensive techniques.
- Company: Join the Alan Turing Institute, a leader in AI security research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applicants and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity by turning innovative ideas into actionable solutions.
- Qualifications: Engineering mindset with a background in cyber and AI techniques.
The predicted salary is between 45505 - 51465 £ per year.
The Offensive Security Unit (OSU) forms part of the Government’s wider Laboratory for AI Security Research initiative, which brings together academia, industry, and government to advance UK leadership in AI security research. Without truly understanding the future of cyber-attacks we are limited in our ability to defend. OSU will be a dedicated team that will identify, design and assess new AI-enabled offensive techniques. As an Offensive Security Engineer, you will build and run the systems, tooling, and environments that turn research ideas into reliable, repeatable evidence. Outputs may include prototype implementations, testing environments, reproducible evaluations, experimental designs, technical reports, demonstrations, and briefings for government partners. All work will be conducted within appropriate legal, ethical, and governance frameworks. We are particularly interested in candidates with an engineering mindset and a background in cyber who want to harness modern AI techniques.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Develop prototypes, tools, infrastructure, and evaluation harnesses with Offensive Security Researchers and other Engineers.
- Stand up and maintain the realistic test environments and ranges that allow offensive techniques to be run safely and meaningfully.
- Build and maintain reproducible implementations that support rigorous evaluation of AI-altered attack surfaces, including discovery, chaining, automation, or amplification of cyber techniques.
- Contribute to the design and running of controlled experiments by advising on feasibility, instrumentation, measurement, and implementation quality.
- Produce clear technical evidence through reports, demonstrations, and briefings.
- Work closely with government and technical stakeholders to ensure research remains grounded, relevant, and actionable.
YOU’LL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE IF YOU
- Have strong instincts for technical implementation and are curious about how systems can be built, probed, stressed, and evaluated.
- Are energised by anticipating where offensive capability is heading, and by building the tools, environments, and experiments needed to understand it.
- Enjoy turning ideas into working prototypes and concrete evidence.
- Are comfortable working in ambiguous problem spaces where the right questions are not always obvious.
- Are motivated by producing work that has real operational relevance and impact.
- Like collaborating across disciplines, particularly with researchers and domain experts.
- Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This full-time post is offered on a two-year fixed term basis. The annual salary is £45,505 - £51,465 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies. Eligibility for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance is a requirement for this role. Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website. Applicants should check if they are eligible for DV clearance before applying to this role.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. We value diversity of background, experience, and perspective, and are proud to be an inclusive employer. We warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from groups currently under-represented in our sector. If you feel passionate about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, please apply - we recognise that great candidates may bring strengths beyond the criteria listed.
Research Engineer - AI for Cybersecurity employer: The Alan Turing Institute
The Alan Turing Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration at the forefront of AI security research. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we provide a supportive environment where your contributions can have a meaningful impact on national cybersecurity efforts. Join us in London to be part of a dedicated team that values your expertise and encourages you to turn cutting-edge ideas into actionable solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Engineer - AI for Cybersecurity
✨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 The Alan Turing Institute, 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 The Alan Turing Institute
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at The Alan Turing Institute. 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 Research Engineer - AI for Cybersecurity
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 The Alan Turing Institute 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 The Alan Turing Institute that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Alan Turing Institute
✨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 The Alan Turing Institute 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 The Alan Turing Institute.
✨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.
