Research Associate, AI for Critical Infrastructure Cyber Security

Alan Turing Institute; London; On-site; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institute dedicated to advancing data science and AI research. This role focuses on enhancing cyber security for Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) through innovative machine learning techniques. Collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers and engineers to design simulations, benchmark AI methods, and contribute to impactful research. With a commitment to real-world applications, your work will help shape the future of national security. Enjoy a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation while working on cutting-edge challenges in cyber defence.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Family friendly policies

Employee-only benefits guide

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• PhD in Cyber Security, AI, or related fields required.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research to enhance CNI cyber security using ML.
• Collaborate on realistic simulations reflecting genuine CNI use cases.

Skills

Machine Learning

Cyber Security

Reinforcement Learning

Network Security

Software Development

Communication Skills

Education

PhD in Cyber Security or related field

Equivalent qualifications/experience

Tools

Python

NumPy

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Git

Linux

Job description

Company Description

Named in honour of Alan Turing, the Institute is a place for inspiring, exciting work and we need passionate, sharp, and innovative people who want to use their skills to contribute to our mission to make great leaps in data science and AI research to change the world for the better.

Please find more information about us here.

Position

Currently, Turing is undergoing a restructuring, moving towards a challenge-led model with three Grand Challenges (Environment & Sustainability, Health, Defence & National Security). This new model focuses on world-class science and innovation and aims to generate high-quality research and translate it into real-world impact and deployment.

Building on the successes of our Defence and Security Programme and AI for Cyber Defence (AICD) Centre, the Defence & National Security Grand Challenge at the Turing is developing an ambitious programme of research to deliver a fundamental shift in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) cyber-defence capability using AI methods and tools. Working alongside a team of 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 simulation and benchmark environments for CNI. Working with our government and industrial partners you will build environments that are representative of real-world CNI use cases, enabling the training and evaluation of AI-based autonomous defences.
• Inform the design of CNI cyber security competition challenges for both human and AI-based participants. This will diversify the technical breadth of our mission and will also help to create a wider community of collaborators and delivery partners.
• Benchmark state-of-the-art AI/ML methods for autonomously enhancing CNI security. You will build novel AI agents and techniques, benchmark performance, and advance applied and fundamental research as prioritised by impact on CNI use cases.
• Translate approaches from simulation and competition platforms to real CNI equipment, helping to further refine our assumptions, methods and impact.

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.

This role will sit within the Defence and National Security Grand Challenge and will focus on advancing the cyber security of CNI using machine learning.

DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Undertake high-quality collaborative research to enhance the cyber security of CNI using machine learning, reinforcement learning, and cyber security methods.
• Collaborate on the design and refinement of realistic simulations that reflect genuine CNI use cases.
• Design offensive and defensive strategies that contribute to red-blue teaming efforts, identifying key vulnerabilities and building automated defensive countermeasures.
• Play a key role in planning and running AI-based CNI red-blue teaming competitions, ensuring robust environment design and evaluation protocols are in place.
• Write up findings as they emerge, producing and developing reports, and publications in peer-reviewed journals, in collaboration with the research team.
• Present, disseminate and explain our work at meetings/events and contribute to both the internal and external visibility of the Institute.
• Supervise the work of research assistants and Ph.D. interns in the team and provide guidance as required.

Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent experience and/or qualifications) in cyber/information/systems/network security, computer science, AI, machine learning, statistics, engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, defensive/offensive security techniques, or cyber-physical systems security.
• Prior experience developing software in a scientific computing context, ideally in Python. Experience in frameworks such as NumPy, Tensorflow, PyTorch, Ray/RLLib, Stable Baselines. Experience in development suites, systems and versioning products (e.g., Git, IDEs, Linux).
• Track record of the ability to develop and deliver high impact research or innovation.
• Experience of working in a team and interact professionally within a team of researchers and students.
• Evidence of high-quality publication(s) in a relevant field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex or technical information, and to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
• Ability to collaborate successfully with colleagues in a multidisciplinary environment within the organisation/externally
• Eligible for "UK/NATO security clearance", e.g., by nationality (UK) or 5+ years NATO country residency.

Please see the job description for a full breakdown of the role and person specification.

Other information

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.

Your covering letter should focus on the following criteria:

1. Your motivation for applying for this role.

2. An overview of your experience developing software in a scientific computing context.

3. Publication list (if not covered in CV)

4. Confirm your nationality/any additional nationalities and length of residence in the UK

If you have questions about the role or would like to apply using a different format, please contact us on 020 3862 3335 or email [email protected].

If you are applying for more than one role at the Turing, please note that only one Cover Letter can be visible on your profile at one time. If you wish to apply for multiple roles and do not want to overwrite your existing Cover Letter, please apply for the role using the button below and forward your additional cover letter directly to [email protected] quoting the job title.

If you are an internal applicant and wish to apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter directly to [email protected] and your application will be considered.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY 11 MAY 2025 AT 23:59 (LONDON, UK BST)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This post is offered on a full time, fixed-term basis until 31 March 2027. The annual salary is £45,505 plus excellent benefits, including flexible working and family friendly policies, Employee-only benefits guide | The Alan Turing Institute

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant at a salary of £42,593 per annum.

Many roles in the Defence and National Security Programme require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK or a NATO country depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks. These roles are subject to security restrictions by Turing's partners. The restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict your eligibility to perform the role.

All applicants must be willing to undergo, and capable of achieving, SC clearance.

Eligibility criteria and further information on the process can be found on the UK Government security vetting website.

The Alan Turing Institute is based at the British Library, in the heart of London's Knowledge Quarter. We expect staff to come to our office at least 4 days per month. Some roles may require more days in the office; the hiring manager will be able to confirm this during the interview.

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 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 find out 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]