Security and Privacy Research Team Leader

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life assurance

Annual leave

Private GP

Employee assistance

Job summary

UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL) at National Physical Laboratory (NPL) seeks a Security & Privacy Research Team Leader to guide a talented team delivering security and privacy research across 5G, SDR, cryptography and AI-enabled telecoms technologies. You will shape strategy and drive high-impact outcomes for industry, government and the wider telecoms community.

You will lead hands-on research with a focus on leadership, collaboration and developing people, while ensuring quality and governance across

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of technical research or cyber security teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security, privacy or telecoms tech.
• Experience delivering complex research, testing or innovation programs.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day leadership.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships across government, industry or academia.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team of researchers.
• Create an inclusive culture that grows technical capability and careers.
• Set strategic direction for security and privacy research activities.
• Oversee outputs: reports, prototypes, evidence packs and briefings.
• Ensure research is robust, repeatable and impactful; manage knowledge.

Skills

Leadership

Cyber security

Telecoms knowledge

Research leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Cyber security degree

Telecommunications degree

Computer science degree

Job description

Lead the future of telecoms security research The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), part of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is at the forefront of strengthening the security, resilience and performance of the UK's telecommunications ecosystem. We are looking for an experienced Security & Privacy Research Team Leader to lead a talented team of researchers delivering impactful security and privacy research across current and emerging telecommunications technologies. This is an exciting opportunity for a technical leader who is passionate about cyber security, telecommunications and developing people. You'll combine strategic leadership with technical oversight, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research that influences industry, government and the wider telecoms community.

About the Role

Lead the future of telecoms security research The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), part of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is at the forefront of strengthening the security, resilience and performance of the UK's telecommunications ecosystem. We are looking for an experienced Security & Privacy Research Team Leader to lead a talented team of researchers delivering impactful security and privacy research across current and emerging telecommunications technologies. This is an exciting opportunity for a technical leader who is passionate about cyber security, telecommunications and developing people. You'll combine strategic leadership with technical oversight, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research that influences industry, government and the wider telecoms community.

What You'll Be Doing

As Security & Privacy Research Team Leader, you will provide leadership, direction and support to a multidisciplinary team conducting hands‑on research across a wide range of technologies, including:

• 5G and future mobile networks
• Fibre broadband and carrier‑grade infrastructure
• Radio communications and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• Software and hardware security
• Cryptography and privacy‑enhancing technologies
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• SIM and JavaCard technologies
• Non‑terrestrial and satellite networks

You will:

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of Security & Privacy Researchers across varying levels of experience.
• Create a high‑performing, collaborative and inclusive research culture where individuals can grow their technical capability and progress their careers.
• Set the strategic direction for security and privacy research activities, aligning work with UKTL's priorities and research roadmap.
• Oversee the delivery of high‑quality research outputs including technical reports, prototypes, recommendations, evidence packs and stakeholder briefings.
• Ensure research is robust, repeatable and impactful, maintaining high standards of quality assurance and knowledge management.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, coaching and performance development across the team.
• Build strong relationships with government departments, industry, academia, standards bodies, communications service providers and technology vendors.
• Collaborate with leadership teams across UKTL and NPL to maximise the impact of the organisation's research programmes.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, acting as a visible leader through periods of change and growth.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health & safety, security and governance requirements.

About You

What we're looking for We're interested in technical leaders who bring a combination of research expertise, people leadership and a passion for solving complex security challenges. You will likely have:

• Proven experience leading or managing technical research, engineering or cyber security teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security, privacy or telecommunications technologies.
• Experience delivering complex research, testing, engineering or innovation programmes.
• The ability to balance strategic planning with day‑to‑day leadership and delivery.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships across government, industry, academia or standards organisations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing technical specialists.
• A degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in Cyber Security, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.

We’d be particularly interested if you have experience in one or more of the following:

• Telecommunications security and resilience
• 4G/5G mobile networks
• Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• Network protocols and infrastructure security
• Hardware security
• Cryptography and privacy technologies
• AI/ML security
• Penetration testing or security assessment
• SIM, eSIM and JavaCard technologies
• Satellite and non‑terrestrial communications systems

Flexible Working

Successful applicants will be expected to attend our Birmingham office a minimum of two days per week. Our state‑of‑the‑art facilities provide an excellent environment for collaboration, and we encourage colleagues to make the most of our on‑site workspace.

We are committed to fostering a positive work‑life balance and welcome applications from candidates seeking full‑time, part‑time, or flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs.

Location

Our site is conveniently located within easy reach of Birmingham, with excellent transport links. We are accessible by rail, with the nearest being Birmingham International station, and are also served by local bus routes. Free on‑site parking is available for those travelling by car.

If relocating is required for this role, UKTL may be able to provide relocation support, subject to hiring manager approval, location and eligibility. Please contact your recruiter to discuss the options available to you.

Why Join UKTL?

At UKTL, you'll be part of a mission that has real national impact, helping to strengthen the security, resilience, and future of the UK's telecommunications networks.

We are committed to investing in our people, providing opportunities to develop your technical expertise, broaden your experience, and build a rewarding long‑term career. Whether you're an experienced specialist or looking to grow your skills in a new area, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that helps shape the future security of UK telecommunications.
• Access to industry‑leading training, professional development, and certification opportunities.
• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies across telecoms, cyber security, research, and testing.
• Collaboration with recognised experts in a highly skilled and supportive environment.
• Opportunities to work on unique projects that drive innovation and influence industry best practice.
• A culture that encourages continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and career progression.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain You will need to meet the necessary security standards. The role requires DV clearance with no restrictions, though you are able to start in post with SC clearance while your DV clearance is in progress. 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. SC clearance with no restrictions. Existing SC clearance would be advantageous, although candidates without clearance are encouraged to apply.

Diversity & inclusivity

We actively recruit people from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: people of different ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, neurodivergent conditions, experiences and ways of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from groups that are currently under‑represent‑ed within our workforce, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds.

Salary

Salary for UKTL specialist roles is benchmarked against the external market and may include additional compensation to recognise in‑demand technical expertise.

We recruit based on capability, technical excellence and potential rather than simply years of experience. As a result, candidates may be considered for different grades depending on their skills, experience and technical depth.

During the interview process, we'll discuss how your experience aligns with our grading framework and provide an indication of the salary range associated with the most appropriate level. This ensures you have a clear understanding of expectations and opportunities from an early stage.

Our technical assessment process is designed to evaluate your expertise in greater detail and will ultimately determine the grade and salary offered. We are committed to offering competitive, market‑aligned reward packages that recognise the value and impact our specialists bring to UKTL.

Our Benefits

At UKTL-NPL, we recognise that our people are key to our success. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career development and financial security. Benefits include: [uktl.org.uk], [npl.co.uk]

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 12%.
• Life assurance providing cover of three times your annual salary.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, sick pay and shared parental leave.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and surrogacy leave, including up to 39 weeks' full pay.
• Private GP service with confidential phone and video appointments.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free and confidential advice and counselling.
• Group Income Protection for additional financial security during periods of long‑term illness.
• Interest‑free loans for season tickets, rental deposits, house purchase deposits and other qualifying purchases.
• MyLifestyle benefits platform, providing discounts across retail, supermarkets, entertainment, travel and fitness providers.
• CSSC membership offering access to additional leisure, travel and lifestyle benefits.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Professional development opportunities including technical training, mentoring, coaching and leadership development.
• Support towards professional accreditation and chartered status.
• Annual salary reviews and market benchmarking to ensure competitive and fair pay.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives, employee networks, social clubs and community activities.

We are committed to helping our people thrive both professionally and personally, providing the support, flexibility and opportunities needed to build a rewarding and meaningful career.

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