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.

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.

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 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 candidates for a research position involving threat analysis, including security and privacy, of National Digital Identity Systems. The candidate will also be expected to red team designs, architectures and implementations of Digital Identity.

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
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• 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 supervise practical work and advise students on techniques
• To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research

See Job Description for full list of duties.

Essential:

• Research Associate level: PhD in a cybersecurity or related subject (e.g. computer science, management science, mathematics or related discipline) or equivalent skills and experience through non-academic routes.
• Research Assistant level: Near completion of a PhD in a cybersecurity or related subject (e.g. computer science, management science, mathematics or related discipline) or equivalent level of experience.
• Ability in cybersecurity analysis and threat modelling.
• Experience of cybersecurity threat identification and assessment in applied settings. This may have been gained in commercial or industrial settings as well as through production of academic papers
• 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.
• Ability to communicate clearly, in both written and spoken forms.
• Experience of working independently and in medium to large-scale teams, on collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects with academic and industrial partners.
• Experience dealing with users in the real world.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of behavioural aspects of cybersecurity.
• Knowledge in the exploitation of weaknesses in the application of biometrics, including the detection of synthetic or tampered biometrics.
• Knowledge of biometric quality measurement and uniqueness in various age groups, ethnicity, gender and disabilities.
• Understanding of statistics or data science
• Other language skills may be an asset.
• Creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to deliver routine lectures or training on a regular basis where content is standard or provided by someone else. Assesses learners’ progress and provides feedback during the event.
• The post holder may be required to travel within the UK and internationally

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 0203 862 3340, or email [email protected].

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 03 August 2021 at 23:59.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This full-time post is offered on fixed term basis for 2 years. The annual salary for this role 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

The ideal start date for this role is 01 October 2021 (flexible depending on notice period)..

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £34,500 per annum.

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].