Senior Research Associate: SCULI: Security in Ultra-Large Scale Systems

Lancaster University; Bailrigg; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University in Bailrigg, UK is seeking a full-time Senior Research Associate for SCULI: Security in Ultra-Large Scale Systems. The role focuses on developing techniques to orchestrate security controls in dynamic distributed infrastructures and exploring interactions between controls.

Applicants should have a PhD in Computer Science or equivalent with cyber security or distributed systems experience; there is flexibility due to the Programme Grant and opportunity to direct research

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science or equivalent with experience in cyber security or distributed systems.
• Strong publication record and research project experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research to orchestrate security in future complex distributed systems.
• Develop high quality and impactful publications.
• Collaborate with academic, industry partners and other EPSRC projects.

Skills

Distributed systems

Cyber security

Research methods

Education

PhD in Computer Science or equivalent

Job description

Senior Research Associate: SCULI: Security in Ultra-Large Scale Systems

School of Computing and Communications
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,355 to £45,413(Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Monday 19 October 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0163-25-RR-R2

We seek to appoint 1 full-time post-doctoral research associate (starting Spring 2027) to complete a team of 4 researchers who are exploring novel concepts for security controls and assurance in converged and ultra-large scale infrastructures.

The successful candidate for this role will develop new techniques for orchestrating security controls in dynamic and complex systems undergoing frequent changes to their function and security requirements. This work will involve researching how to introduce interactions between security controls to achieve security goals and exploring the trade-offs of doing so. We seek to appoint a researcher who has either experience in abstract modelling of distributed systems or practical experience deploying and experimenting with security controls.

As a Programme Grant there is considerable flexibility in this research agenda. This allows the right candidate to have a significant ability to direct their research activities. This is a great opportunity for an individual to build their research career.

Key duties of this post include:

• Conducting original research to orchestrate security in future complex distributed systems.
• Developing high quality and impactful publications.
• Collaborating with academic, industry partners and other EPSRC projects.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Computer Science or equivalent with experience in cyber security or distributed systems.

The School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University offers a highly inclusive and stimulating environment for career development, and you will be exposed to a range of further opportunities over the course of this post. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

You will join us on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which for these roles initially ends after 24 months (with the possibility to extend further).

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University , including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.