Research Associate, Cyber Security Threat Analysis

Alan Turing Institute London United Kingdom Research Programmes
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Company Description

The Alan Turing Institute is the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. The Institute is named in honour of the scientist Alan Turing and its mission is to make great leaps in data science and artificial intelligence research in order to change the world for the better.

Position

This role sits within the Defence and Security Programme at the Institute and the particular project this role will be involved in is the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity project. This role works closely with the Principal Investigators on this project, the Technical Development Manager and other PDRA s and programme management staff on the team.

ROLE PURPOSE

The provision of digital infrastructure for identity systems is an emerging requirement in many modern societies across the developed and developing world. New techniques for deployment at scale promise to improve the assurance of users' rights to access to various digital and physical resources, in a cost effective and efficient manner. However, protecting citizens’ rights when such systems are deployed requires the development of novel and appropriate socio-technical interventions that incorporate robust security and privacy measures.

We are seeking a candidate for a research position involing the security analysis of identy systems. The successful candidate will be able to analyse systems to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. You should be familiar with threat modelling and analysis techniques and the development of appropriate defence strategies.

You will collaborate with a small specialist team investigating areas pertinent to establishing trustworthiness within digital identity infrastructure. You will report to a senior principal investigator who will support your efforts throughout the project. For more project background go to the project webpage https://www.turing.ac.uk/research/research-projects/trustworthy-digital-infrastructure-identity-systems.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The post holder will work closely with the principal investigators and research associates based at Turing Institute to:

  • To take initiatives in the planning and execution of research
  • To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the development and implementation of the existing programmes
  • To conduct data analysis and ensure the validity and reliability of data at all timesTo maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
  • To undertake any training and or professional development
  • To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats
  • To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals
  • To write and publish articles in peer-reviewed journals/digests that highlight findings from research ensuring consistency with the highest standards of academic publication and showcasing the Institute’s research leadership
  • To contribute to writing bids for research grants
  • To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research
  • Teaching and related activities may be required as part of collaboration work. This may involve supervising practical work and advise students on techniques

OTHER DUTIES

  • Support the Principal Investigator and research group in the design and development of the research programme.
  • To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary

Requirements

  • Research Associate level: A PhD degree or equivalent professional experience in a cyber security related subject (e.g. cybersecurity, computer science, mathematics or related discipline).
  • Research Assistant level: Near completion of a PhD in the above discipline.
  • Have experience of cyber security threat analysis and management in applied settings. This may have been gained in commercial or industrial environments as well as through production of academic papers.
  • Ability in mathematical or quantitative methods
  • Evidence of an excellent publication record, commensurate with level of experience. Candidates from outside academia may be able to evidence this by providing examples of technical writing or system design and implementation,published or distributed through channels other than academic conferences and journals, e.g., blog posts and/or software repositories.
  • Experience of working independently and in medium to large-scale teams, on collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects with academic and industrial partners. Dealing with users in the real world will be very important.
  • Good effective communication (oral and written) and the ability to adapt the style of communication to the audience and ensures understanding.
  • Ability to work effectively across disciplinary boundaries, both as part of an interdisciplinary team and in close collaboration with external partners in different disciplines.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the duties, responsibilities and person specification.

Other information

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years. The annual salary range is £37,000-£42,000 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, https://www.turing.ac.uk/work-turing/why-work-turing/employee-benefits

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £34,510 per annum

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

If you are interested in this opportunity, please click the apply button below. You will need to register on the applicant portal and complete the application form including your CV and covering letter. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3970 2148 or 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday 8th February 2022 at 23:59pm

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to building a diverse community and would like our leadership teal to reflect this. We therefore welcome applications from the broadest spectrum of backgrounds.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process will be made for any candidates with a disability.

Please note all offers of employment are subject to obtaining and retaining the right to work in the UK and satisfactory pre-employment security screening which includes a DBS Check.

Full details on the pre-employment screening process can be requested from [email protected].

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter.

In line with current Government guidance, most of our organisation is currently working remotely. When Government guidance changes, we will trial a Hybrid Working Model for an initial six-month trial period. During this period, staff will be expected to work at our British Library office for a number of days per month, dependent on the requirements of the role. As a guide, we anticipate this will be between 2-4 days per month, but the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.