Senior Researcher – Confidential Computing and Secure Systems

Microsoft; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Microsoft is seeking a research leader in Cambridge to drive innovation in confidential computing and security systems. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Computer Science with significant expertise in systems security, and a proven ability to translate research into impactful solutions. Join us to collaborate with product teams and shape the future of secure computing at one of the world's leading tech companies.

Qualifications

• PhD focusing on systems security, formal methods, or distributed systems.
• Proven track record via publications or patents.
• Deep expertise in areas like trusted execution environments and hardware security.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on confidential computing, AI, and security systems.
• Contribute to theoretical and practical implementations.
• Mentor junior researchers and represent Microsoft in academic venues.

Skills

Research excellence

Collaboration

Communication

Programming skills

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Responsibilities (Text Only)

• Lead research and development in confidential computing, including AI, storage, identity systems, and low TCB systems.
• Contribute to both theoretical foundations and practical implementations.
• Collaborate with product teams to translate research into production.
• Publish high-impact research and represent Microsoft at top-tier academic and industry venues.
• Mentor junior researchers and interns, and contribute to the broader research community.

Qualifications (Text Only)

• PhD in Computer Science or related field, with a focus on systems security, formal methods, or distributed systems.
• Proven track record of research excellence, demonstrated through publications, patents, or impactful systems.
• Deep expertise in one or more of: trusted execution environments (e.g., Intel SGX, AMD SEV, ARM CCA), system security, hardware security, virtualization.
• Strong programming skills in a broad range of languages and platforms.
• Experience building scalable secure systems.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with cloud-scale systems or contributing to open-source security projects.
• Expertise in operating systems and virtualization.
• Strong background in security and cryptography.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure technologies.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.