Associate Security and Privacy Researcher

About You

What You'll Bring We're looking for individuals who can demonstrate an interest in one or more of the following areas: Cybersecurity and telecoms technologies Radio communications and Software Defined Radio (SDR) Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Cryptography Hardware or software development Mobile network technologies, including 5G SIM and JavaCard technologies Non-terrestrial and satellite networks Alongside this, you'll ideally have: A degree (or equivalent experience) in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline Strong analytical and problem-solving skills A willingness to learn and investigate technical challenges The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team Some experience with software development, scripting, or technical projects gained through study, work, or personal interests Familiarity with Linux or a willingness to develop Linux-based skills Good written and verbal communication skills An interest in security, networking, research, or emerging technologies Desirable but not essential: Experience with Python, C/C++, Java, or other programming languages Exposure to cybersecurity tools, networking technologies, or cloud environments Knowledge of telecoms technologies such as 4G, 5G, or networking protocols Familiarity with reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA Pro Participation in personal projects, Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, hackathons, or open-source communities Most importantly, we're looking for individuals who are enthusiastic, curious, and motivated to learn. Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. You are welcome to apply without already holding SC clearance; however, you will not be able to start in post until the clearance has been successfully granted.

Cybersecurity and telecoms technologies

Radio communications and Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Cryptography

Hardware or software development

Mobile network technologies, including 5G

SIM and JavaCard technologies

Non-terrestrial and satellite networks

A degree (or equivalent experience) in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

A willingness to learn and investigate technical challenges

The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Some experience with software development, scripting, or technical projects gained through study, work, or personal interests

Familiarity with Linux or a willingness to develop Linux-based skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

An interest in security, networking, research, or emerging technologies

Experience with Python, C/C++, Java, or other programming languages

Exposure to cybersecurity tools, networking technologies, or cloud environments

Knowledge of telecoms technologies such as 4G, 5G, or networking protocols

Familiarity with reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA Pro

Participation in personal projects, Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, hackathons, or open-source communities

About Us

UKTL is building leading edge Telecoms testing facilities to keep our telecommunications networks safe, accelerate the roll-out of new technologies, and grow our world leading telecoms sector to maintain resiliency and security. Read more about UKTL here ! Successful candidates will join a state-of-the-art facility and be supporting the team conducting testing and research on the latest technologies and innovations in the industry. You will work alongside our infrastructure and Cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the UK’s world class Telecoms infrastructure grows in a resilient and secure manner underpinning growth in other industry sectors. As a trusted and independent national capability, UKTL interacts with standards bodies, Academia, and Government Departments as well as Communications Service Providers and equipment vendors. The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page. We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more that can be found here rewards, benefits and recognition . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing