Principal Vulnerability Researcher

Step into a Principal position at the forefront of telecom security research, where you will shape not only how vulnerabilities are discovered, understood, and mitigated, but also how telecom security research evolves across the wider industry. As one of the organisation's leading technical experts, you will define strategic research priorities, influence national telecom security outcomes, and build capability within both the organisation and the broader security community.

You will provide hands-on technical leadership across complex research programmes, mentor and develop researchers, engage senior stakeholders, and represent the organisation as a recognised authority in telecom security and vulnerability research. Alongside hands-on research, you'll drive innovation, strengthen industry partnerships, and help shape the future of secure telecommunications.

• Shape Vulnerability Research Strategy – Define and drive vulnerability research across carrier-grade telecom systems. You will identify emerging technologies, prioritise strategic research opportunities, and ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of telecom security innovation. Your work will directly influence the resilience of critical national infrastructure and the UK's telecom security capabilities.
• Lead Complex Research Programmes – Provide technical leadership across large-scale research initiatives, guiding investigations into complex real-world technologies and uncovering previously unknown security vulnerabilities. You will tackle highly ambiguous challenges, connect insights across multiple domains, and help shape how future telecom systems are secured.
• Build Capability & Research Excellence – Act as a mentor and role model for researchers across the organisation, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and technical excellence. You will develop talent, establish best practices, review technical work, and help shape the future capability of the vulnerability research function.
• Apply AI to Advanced Security Research – There is the opportunity to lead the development and application of AI-enabled research capabilities using UKTL’s secure, on-premises AI hardware. You will use these resources to accelerate vulnerability discovery, automate complex analysis, and develop innovative tooling and models for telecom security research, while ensuring sensitive data and workloads remain within UKTL’s controlled environment.
• Build and Grow Technical Communities – Champion knowledge sharing and collaboration both internally and externally. You will establish and nurture research communities, facilitate technical exchanges, and create opportunities for learning and innovation across the telecom and cyber security ecosystem.
• Represent UKTL as a Thought Leader – Serve as a recognised expert within the telecom security community. You will present research findings at industry conferences, working groups, government forums, and technical communities, translating complex research into meaningful insights that influence decision-making and advance the state of the art.
• Engage Senior Stakeholders – Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, industry partners, academics, regulators, and government organisations. You will communicate complex technical topics clearly and effectively, helping stakeholders understand risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities.
• Work, Build & Experiment in a World-Class Lab – Operate within a cutting-edge research environment where exploration and experimentation are encouraged. You will have the freedom to deconstruct systems, challenge assumptions, discover new attack vectors, and develop innovative approaches that strengthen telecom security at scale.

Successful Applicants must be able to commute to the UKTL offices in 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 business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in.