Security and Privacy Researcher

• About the Role
• This Role Speaks to You If... You’ve always been curious about how things work—especially when it comes to telecoms systems like 5G, fibre broadband. Maybe you know IP/TCP/HTTP but here you will work with SCTP/ NGAP / 5G SBI in carrier grade implementations that no one else has this level of access to!

Whether you’ve worked in the field professionally or you’ve been diving into open-source projects in your spare time, you’re someone who enjoys breaking things down, testing their limits, and uncovering security flaws others might miss.

You’re not just interested in tech—you’re passionate about it. You love the challenge of understanding complex systems, and you’re driven by the thrill of building, testing, and sometimes even breaking things (ethically, of course) to make them better.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in Solihull, Birmingham at least twice a week

We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.

About You

What You’ll Bring You’ll ideally demonstrate experience or strong interest in one or more of the following research areas:

Cybersecurity research within telecoms systems

RF and Software Defined Radio (SDR)

Artificial intelligence / Machine learning applied to networks or security

Formal modelling and verification of protocols or systems

Cryptography

Hardware or software prototyping

SIM / JavaCard technologies

Non-terrestrial networks

Alongside this, you’ll be able to evidence:

• Strong research capability, with experience investigating complex technical problems
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Experience developing software or hardware prototypes, turning concepts into working solutions
• Clear technical communication, including writing reports to a professional or publication standard
• Confidence working with Linux environments and quickly adopting new programming languages
• An understanding of development lifecycles and their impact on security
• The ability to navigate and apply academic literature and publicly available sources

Bonus points if you have experience with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro or Ghidra. Having curiosity and a strong research mindset is key.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in this specific area means that nationality, residency and security requirements are more tightly defined than others. To work in this role, you will need to hold an SC clearance with no restrictions. 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.

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.

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.
  

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 to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.