Research Software Engineer

ECM Selection; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ECM Selection is seeking a skilled researcher to join a premier research organisation for a 12-month contract focused on R&D at the intersection of LLM agent development and cybersecurity. The role targets using AI to obviate vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and industrial systems, with eligibility for UK security clearance required.

The candidate should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant technical subject, have strong networks knowledge, experience with Python, Git, Linux, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical subject (with strong A-level grades).
• Possibly further postgraduate, doctoral, or commercial experience.
• Good understanding of computer networks, traffic, protocols and security considerations on networks.

Responsibilities

• Work in R&D at the intersection of LLM agent development and cybersecurity.
• Integrate with LLM APIs to build tools and agents (multi-agent workflows).
• Collaborate and communicate findings effectively in writing and discussion.
• Role may require time in London offices with potential hybrid work within the UK.

Skills

Python programming

Git

Linux

Networking fundamentals

Communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

LLM APIs integration

Cybersecurity

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant technical subject

Tools

Python

Git

Linux

Virtualisation

Job description

A premier research organisation is seeking a skilled individual to work in R&D at the intersection of LLM agent development and cybersecurity. This 12 month contract, which may be extended, offers the chance to pursue the use of AI to obviate vulnerabilities in vital infrastructure and industrial systems. Eligibility for UK security clearance is required.

You will naturally have these fundamentals:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant technical subject from a top university, backed by strong A-level grades. It is likely you will also have further postgraduate, doctoral, or commercial experience to further your skills development.
• A good understanding of computer (and device) networks, traffic, protocols, their configuration, and standard security considerations on such networks. This will at least include IP networking and may extend to SCADA and related protocols (Modbus, DNP3 et al).
• Software development skills towards scientific computing, R&D codebases, in Python or equivalent, using Git and Linux tools. A researcher’s or developer’s understanding of virtualisation and virtual machines is relevant.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, both for collaboration and to communicate findings in discussion and in writing.
• Eligibility for UK security clearance.

And more specifically, you will already have expertise in one of the following areas, and at least some exposure to the other:

• Integrating with LLM APIs to build tools, agents and potentially multi-agent workflows (MCP and LangGraph are relevant).
• Cybersecurity in depth (for systems and networks, finding and closing vulnerabilities, CVEs, potentially traffic analysis and cyber-physical systems security).

If you have particular expertise in critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, distributed monitoring and control of assets, that is a plus. The role will include time in London offices and may offer opportunities for hybrid work within the UK. Excellent benefits are included.