The AI for Cyber Defence (AICD) Research Centre, one of our Defence & National Security teams, is building on its ambitious programme of research to deliver a fundamental shift in cyber security using AI methods and tools. Working alongside other researchers and engineers at the intersection of machine-learning and cyber security, you will advance the science and research needed to:
- Build and support the development of realistic environments that allow AI agents to be trained and validated. You will build environments that are representative of real-world networks, including those found in critical infrastructure, and advance the science needed to train and evaluate AI-based autonomous defences.
- Design competitive cyber security tasks, and make breakthroughs in cyber evaluation, ensuring our mission remains grounded in scientifically rigorous research.
- You will build novel AI agents and techniques, benchmark and validate performance, and advance applied and fundamental research as prioritised by impact on prioritised use cases.
As a team we aim for high-impact research and innovation that delivers value for our stakeholders and the wider scientific, industrial, and government communities. Day to day, we collaborate with technical and subject matter experts from our partner organisations as well as academics, software engineers, and data scientists from across the Turing’s research community. We present our work to a range of audiences including research colleagues, senior decision makers and non-technical stakeholders.
We are a cross-disciplinary team and encourage applications from computer and information security researchers, cyber security practitioners, software engineers, computer scientists, machine learning scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists, and data engineers.
Eligibility for Security Check (SC) 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.
ROLE PURPOSE
This role will sit within the Defence and National Security team and will focus on advancing cyber security using machine learning.
Working alongside researchers, engineers and subject matter experts, you'll contribute to the development of realistic environments for training and validating AI agents, the design of scientifically rigorous cyber security tasks and evaluation methods, and the benchmarking of novel AI techniques. You'll produce high-quality research and technical outputs, communicate findings to a range of audiences, and help ensure the Centre’s research remains relevant to real-world cyber security challenges.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Undertake high-quality collaborative research in the domain of AI for cyber security, contributing to the research aims of our mission.
- Play a role planning and running AI-based cyber competitions, ensuring environments and evaluation protocols are methodologically sound and aligned to real-world use cases.
- Produce high-quality technical artifacts and research outputs, including academic papers, technical reports, methodological notes, and open-source contributions;
- Communicate methods and findings clearly to a range of audiences (research colleagues, senior decision- makers, and non-technical stakeholders), without oversimplifying or overclaiming.
- Horizon scanning across relevant fields for new advancements and methodologies
- Be a point of contact, supporting PIs in engaging with stakeholders regarding projects and deputising in meetings where necessary.
- Supervise the work of research assistants and Ph.D. interns in the team and provide guidance as required.
- Contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.
ABOUT YOU
- A PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) or equivalent experience in cyber/information security, AI, machine learning, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline
- Research Assistant Level: A master's degree (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) or equivalent experience in cyber/information security, AI, machine learning, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline
- Research experience including at least one of: systems security, network security, cyber-physical systems security, AI Security, formal verification, systems or software assurance.
- Ability to plan and carry out research independently or collaboratively, evidenced by high-quality outputs commensurate with career stage including publications, technical reports, or significant open-source contributions.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team, sharing knowledge and supporting others, while taking ownership of your own work including prioritising, meeting deadlines, and making evidence-based decisions with appropriate autonomy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences (research colleagues, senior decision-makers, non-technical stakeholders) and representing the Institute externally.
Please see the Job Description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.
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. The covering letter should address:
- Why you are applying for this position
- How you qualify for this position (see criteria under “Person Specification”)
- Publication list (if not covered in CV)
If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us at [email protected].
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis for 12 months. The annual salary is £46,415 - £52,494 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, which can be seen here.
Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £43,445 per annum.
The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter. We offer a flexible, hybrid approach to working, recognising the benefits of both remote working and in-person collaboration. Office attendance expectations may vary depending on the role, team and organisational needs, and may evolve over time. The hiring team will be happy to discuss the current arrangements during the interview process.
Eligibility for Security Check (SC) 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.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
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.
We are committed to making sure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive. This includes making reasonable adjustments for candidates who have a disability or long-term condition. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us how we can assist you.
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].