Research Associate – AI for Cyber Security

The Alan Turing Institute; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alan Turing Institute is seeking researchers in AI for cyber defence to advance realistic training environments and robust evaluation methods for AI-based cyber security. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to design tasks, benchmark agents, and publish technical outputs.

This full-time, fixed-term 12-month role offers a competitive salary (£46,415 - £52,494) and flexible/hybrid working arrangements in London.

Qualifications

• Research experience in systems security, network security, cyber-physical systems security, AI security, formal verification or software assurance.
• Ability to plan and carry out research independently or collaboratively with strong outputs.
• PhD or equivalent experience in cyber/information security, AI, ML, CS, engineering or related field
• Experience at Research Assistant level with a master's degree or equivalent

Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality collaborative research in AI for cyber security aligned to our mission.
• Plan and run AI-based cyber competitions with sound environments and evaluation protocols.
• Produce technical artifacts and outputs, including papers, reports, and open-source contributions.
• Communicate methods and findings clearly to diverse audiences without oversimplifying.
• Assist in preparing proposals for external funding or contracts.

Skills

Research experience

Independent / collaborative work

Effective communication

Education

PhD in cyber/information security/AI/ML/CS/engineering

Master's degree in cyber/information security/AI/ML/CS/engineering

Job description

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.

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.
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g., for funding and contractual purposes.

ABOUT YOU

• 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.
• 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
• 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.

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.

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 [e-mail] to advise us how we can assist you.