Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading intelligence agency as a Cyber Security Analyst, where you'll protect the UK from cyber threats. Collaborate with teams, utilize cutting-edge technology, and grow your skills in a supportive environment. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits, including flexible working options.

Benefits

25-30 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Pension schemes

Cycle to work

On-site facilities

Parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience in a cyber security role or relevant certifications.
• Understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Detecting and responding to cyber threats.
• Collaborating with teams to enhance security measures.
• Analyzing alerts and network traffic.

Skills

Scripting

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

CompTIA A+

Network+

Security+

OffSec

SOC200

GSEC

GCIA

GCIH

Tools

Splunk

AWS

Azure

Job description

Job Description

Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £36,408 (includes £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. While hybrid working can be more restricted, due to the nature of the work, around 20% home working may be available depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The Role

As a Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll work with a close-knit team to protect our organisation against a range of cyber threats. Your responsibilities include detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks from malware outbreaks, insider activity, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing. You’ll collaborate with technical teams to deepen understanding of operational activities, develop defensive strategies, analyze alerts, logs, network traffic, and endpoint data using tools like Splunk, and develop detection content. You will also utilize threat intelligence to proactively enhance security measures and respond swiftly to incidents, including digital forensics support. The role offers unique challenges due to the sensitive nature of our work.

About You

Along with a passion for IT and eagerness to grow in cyber security, you should have experience with scripting, an understanding of Windows and Linux operating systems, and familiarity with Python. Interest in developing skills with AWS and Azure is also desirable. You need a cyber security certification or foundation-level education (e.g., CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, OffSec, SOC200, GSEC, GCIA, GCIH), or at least 6 months experience in a cyber security role. You should be a team player, an effective communicator, and a problem-solver, understanding the importance of collaboration in tackling complex threats.

Training and Development

We are committed to your professional growth through in-house, on-the-job, and external training, including industry-recognized certifications with SANS Institute and OFFSEC. You will be paired with a mentor and gain hands-on experience in threat detection, incident response, and operational strategies. Opportunities for travel, conferences, and staying abreast of cyber security innovations are available but not mandatory.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary of £36,408 plus benefits such as 25-30 days annual leave, employee recognition schemes, season ticket loans, pension schemes, cycle to work, on-site facilities, and parental leave.

Equal Opportunities & Inclusion

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including under-represented groups. Find out more about our culture and initiatives on our website.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader, committed to fair recruitment and support for disabled applicants. We offer support and reasonable adjustments throughout the process.

What to Expect

The recruitment process includes application review, virtual interviews, and a final offer, with a timeline of approximately 6-9 months due to vetting. Successful candidates must obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be British citizens or hold dual British nationality, meet eligibility criteria, and be prepared for DV clearance. Consider practicalities such as location, travel, and application security. We do not cover relocation costs and recommend applying from within the UK.

Right to Withdraw

We reserve the right to close applications early once sufficient responses are received. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.