Cyber Security Research Specialist

HBL; Karachi Division; On-site; PKR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

HBL is seeking a PhD/MPhil level cybersecurity professional to advance state-of-the-art in threat research, malware analysis, and innovative security solutions at Habib Bank Plaza, Karachi. The role will focus on research, development, and collaboration with banking teams to translate theory into practical protections.

You will conduct experiments, build proof-of-concept pilots, publish findings, and mentor junior analysts while aligning with regulatory and banking requirements.

Qualifications

• PhD/MPhil in Computer Science, Information Security or MIS required.
• Professional certifications such as GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) or GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advance state-of-the-art cybersecurity topics through research and innovation.
• Analyze and assess cybersecurity technologies, solutions, developments and processes.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Threat research

Reverse engineering

Malware analysis

Solution design

Education

PHD/MPhil in Computer Science or Information Security or MIS

Job description

• Advance the current state-of-the-art in cybersecurity-related topics.
• Analyze and assess cybersecurity technologies, solutions, developments and processes.
• Assist in cybersecurity-related capacity building including awareness, theoretical training, practical training, testing, mentoring, supervising and sharing.
• Assist in the development of innovative cybersecurity-related solutions.
• Conduct experiments and develop proof of concept, pilots and prototypes for cybersecurity solutions.
• Conduct research, innovation and development work in cybersecurity-related topics.
• Contributes towards cutting-edge cybersecurity business ideas, services and solutions.
• Identify cross-sectoral cybersecurity achievements and apply them in a different context or propose innovative approaches and solutions.
• Lead or participate in innovation processes and projects including project management and budgeting.
• Manifest and generate research and innovation ideas.
• Publish and present scientific works and research and development results.
• Select and apply frameworks, methods, standards, tools and protocols including a building and testing a proof of concept to support projects.

People Management

• Provide mentoring and technical coaching to junior analysts, interns, and detection engineers on malware analysis, exploit fundamentals, and threat research methodologies.
• Collaborate with Digital Banking, IT Development, Architecture, Fraud Risk, and Operations teams to share emerging threat insights and recommend mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• PHD/MPhil in Computer Science or Information Security or MIS
• Preferably at least one of the following professional certifications:
  • GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware)
  • GCTI (GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence)

Key Skills

• Collaborate with other team members and colleagues
• Communicate, present and report to relevant stakeholders
• Decompose and analyze systems to develop security and privacy requirements and identify effective solutions
• Decompose and analyze systems to identify weaknesses and ineffective controls
• Generate new ideas and transfer theory into practice
• Identify and solve cybersecurity-related issues
• Monitor new advancements in cybersecurity-related technologies

Key Knowledge

• Cybersecurity standards, methodologies and frameworks
• Cybersecurity-related research, development and innovation (RDI)
• Legal, regulatory and legislative requirements on releasing or using cybersecurity related technologies
• Multidiscipline aspect of cybersecurity
• Preferably 2-4 years in threat research/reversing/detection engineering preferably with exposure in banking/fintech.

Job Info

• Job Identification 28743
• Posting Date 08/25/2026, 07:43 AM
• Apply Before 09/11/2026, 06:55 PM
• Degree Level Bachelor Honours (16 years)
• Locations Habib Bank Plaza, Karachi, Sindh, PK