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.

We are seeking a Research Associate for our Defence and Security Programme and the particular project this role will be involved in is the Trustworthy Digital Infrastructure for Identity project. This role will work closely with the 3 Principal Investoigators on this project, the Technical Development Manager and other PDRA s on the team.

The provision of digital infrastructure such as foundational 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, vastly more easily, cheaply and quickly. However, systems come with strong security requirements, including confidentiality and integrity. Moreover, protecting citizens’ rights when such systems are deployed requires the development of novel and appropriate socio-technical interventions. We are seeking a candidate for a research position involving threat analysis, including security and privacy, of National Digital Identity Systems. The candidate will also be expected to read team designs, architectures and implementations of Digital Identity.

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 exiting programmes.
• To conduct data analysis.
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times.
• To 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 provide guidance to staff and students.
• To supervise practical work and advise students on techniques.
• To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research.
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary.
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the Institute and the wider community.
• Teaching and related activities may be required as part of collaboration work.

• Hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in a cybersecurity or related subject (e.g. computer science, management science, mathematics or related discipline). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD or having equivalent skills and experience through non-academic routes. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded appointment will initially be made as a research assistant and amended to research associate once the PhD is awarded.
• Experienced in cyber security analysis and threat modelling.
• 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.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
• 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.

Please see Job Description attachment for full Person Specification and Duties.

Term and Conditions

This full time post is offered on a two years contract fixed term basis. The annual salary for this role is £35,000-£41,000 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 within the salary range £32,000-£34,000 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, covering letter and contact details for your referees. If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact them on 0203 862 3357 or 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

Closing date for applications: 25 November 2020 at 23:59.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and everyone is treated fairly. 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.

Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can also 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].