Junior Cyber Defense Analyst – IR & Risk

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Security Analyst Associate to help protect NM’s information assets across the organization. The role focuses on monitoring security alerts, incident response, and risk assessment within a collaborative IT environment.

You will work with network and technology teams to improve controls, evaluate vulnerabilities, and stay current on emerging threats. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 0–2 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in information security or a related field.
• Working knowledge of networks (protocols, TCP/IP) and security controls (proxies, IPS/IDS, firewalls)
• Experience with Windows and Linux/UNIX systems; basic scripting or development skills
• Familiarity with security standards (NIST, HIPAA, PCI, ISO 27001/27002, ITIL) and incident response processes

Responsibilities

• Assist in investigating security alerts and implement recommended detections improvements.
• Help optimize incident response standards to boost cyber resiliency.
• Analyze security posture and identify gaps to protect information assets.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to optimize security controls and documentation.
• Evaluate vulnerabilities and assist in risk assessment and treatment.
• Stay current with security threats and technologies to contextualize events.

Skills

Network

Security controls

Systems

Software development

Incident Response

Threat & Vulnerability Mgmt

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Security certifications (preferred)

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Security Analyst Associate to help protect NM’s information assets across the organization. The role focuses on monitoring security alerts, incident response, and risk assessment within a collaborative IT environment.

You will work with network and technology teams to improve controls, evaluate vulnerabilities, and stay current on emerging threats. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 0–2 years of experience are preferred.