About the job

Job summary

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe.  We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats.  Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage.  At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.  

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.     

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly at the heart of systems that matter to the UK. It’s a technology that will enable attackers and presents a valuable target for cyber-savvy adversaries. However, it also presents an incredible opportunity for the UK to improve its defences.   

AI and Cyber Security Research is crucial to our success, we’re looking for a Researcher and Senior Researcher with an interest in AI and Cyber Security. Our friendly, interdisciplinary team (IDT) work to understand how AI is relevant to NCSC’s mission to improve cyber security across the UK including: 

• How AI systems might be vulnerable to hackers and how users can protect those systems. 

• How AI might be used by cyber adversaries. 

• How cyber defenders can use AI to automatically prevent, respond to, and investigate attacks. 

• How human experts can best ‘collaborate’ with AI to enhance cyber defence. 

Job description

If you have a passion for cybersecurity and you join as a Researcher or Senior Researcher, you’ll develop and practice a range of skills, including desk-based research, coding, experimentation, data analysis and visualisation and scientific communication.   

You’ll be working as part of a team, but also independently, to conduct research into this fascinating topic. You’ll work with partners across the intelligence community and wider government in the UK and internationally, making a vital contribution to UK security. 

You’ll take on smaller projects and help us to understand the vulnerabilities, risks and opportunities associated with the use of AI and machine learning technologies. As part of this, you’ll work with a diverse internal community, as well as a large network of external partners, to collate information, conduct experiments to test theories and tools, and build proof-of-concept demonstrations of technical concepts. Alongside your research, you’ll present your findings to colleagues at NCSC and the wider intelligence community. 

Alongside project work, you’ll have the opportunity to join workshops, hackathons, and other hands-on activities, contribute to public guidance on AI and travel abroad for training and collaboration.  

As a Senior Researcher, you could be working on larger projects and leading a team alongside identifying and understanding customer business outcomes. You’ll also take a lead on defining and directing areas of our workbook. You’ll use your prior experience of AI and/or cyber security to steer research projects and take an active role in mentoring and coaching other colleagues, contributing to the AI and Cyber Security community.  You’ll demonstrate leadership qualities, supporting others to upskill and build their career in an inclusive environment. Crucially, you’ll be comfortable working with others in a fast-paced evolving environment, engaging an outward mindset to build and improve our culture, and ensure your team know what they’re working towards. 

Person specification

For the AI Cyber Security Researcher role, the set of technologies we already use is varied and constantly growing.  As such, we don’t expect one candidate to have had experience, or be a technical specialist in (IT) however we’re  looking for those with an interest in coding (particularly Python), statistics, AI/machine learning, cybersecurity – and experience in research or analysis for example through personal projects, degree related study, an online course, academic assignment or work within a related industry. 

What we’re really looking for is an interest in data science and AI, a willingness to learn more and an innate curiosity. You’re the type of person that relishes solving problems and is willing to experiment to find a solution in this fast-paced environment. You’re comfortable working with others as well as independently, and able to communicate technical concepts to a range of audiences.   

For the Senior Researcher role, we welcome applications from experienced candidates who currently work within a related field, regardless of educational background.  We’ll expect you to have prior experience of research into AI and/or cyber security topics. You’ll be comfortable with Python coding, ideally with the Python data science and machine learning stack.  You’ll have formal or informal experience leading a team and collaborating with senior leaders and technical specialists alike. You know how to coach and improve the personal and technical development of the team. 

GCHQ Competencies 

The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community. These competencies are based closely on the Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 2 competencies for the Researcher role and the Level 3 competencies for the Senior Researcher role you’ll be assessed against are:  

• Driving Innovation and Change (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Changing and Improving) 

• Continuously Developing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Developing Self and Others) 

• Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together) 

• Making Effective Decisions (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Making Effective Decisions) 

• Delivering Outcomes (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Delivering at Pace) 

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours 

Benefits

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes.  As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential.  With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities. 

For the AI and Cyber Security Researcher role, you’ll receive a starting salary of £34,663. 

For the Senior AI and Cyber Security Researcher role, you’ll receive a starting salary of £41,935.  

Plus, the opportunity to qualify, at level 1 (Data Science Blended) for a skills payment of £4,513 (per annum) based on your technical proficiency. 

For roles based in London, you’ll receive an additional £6,250 London Allowance.  

Other benefits: 

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• An environment with flexible working options
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave.
• Excellent pension scheme - Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27% 

Things you need to know

Selection process details

At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. 

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website: 

Disability Confident 

GCHQ are proud to have achieved Leader status within the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme.  This is aimed at encouraging employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people.  Being Disability Confident, we aim to offer a person-to-person interview to any candidate who self-identifies as disabled and meets the essential criteria for the role.  This is our ‘Offer of Interview’ (OOI).  

To secure an interview for AI and Cyber Security Researcher vacancy, the essential criteria (in order of application process) 

• Candidates must demonstrate both a keen interest and practical proficiency in AI, data Science and coding (Python in particular). 

• You can evidence an ability to problem solve using technical skills. 

• Evidence an ability to communicate diplomatically, with skills to influence, understand and empathise with others. 

To secure an interview for AI and Cyber Security Researcher vacancy, the essential criteria (in order of application process) 

• For the Senior Researcher role, candidates must also provide several examples of prior experience of research into AI and/or cyber security topics. 

• Evidence of planning and delivering a project (this can be an example from work or personal life) 

• Formal or informal experience of leading an Interdisciplinary team. 

What to Expect 

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order: 

• Online Application 

• Application sift 

• Interview 

• If successful, you’ll receive a conditional offer of employment. 

Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer. 

Before You Apply 

To work at GCHQ, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. You can read our full eligibility criteria here. 

These roles require the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It’s something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. You can find out more about the vetting process here. 

Please note we have a strict drugs policy, so once you start your application, you can’t take any recreational drugs and you’ll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage. 

Before you apply, we advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us, to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you to manage your application with us more discretely. 

These roles are based in London, Cheltenham, or Manchester so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs. 

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member. 

The closing date for this role is: 07/08/2024 at 2355hrs

Right to Withdraw Statement:  

Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. 

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.