Senior Security Researcher

Darktrace is a global leader in AI-driven cybersecurity, helping organizations stay ahead of evolving threats every day.    

Darktrace was built on a genuinely differentiated idea: that Adaptive AI could detect and respond to novel, real-time cyber threats. That approach matters more than ever in the era of AI.  Today, our customers depend on us to stay ahead.   

At Darktrace, we are energized by that responsibility.  We work across teams and rally around a shared goal. We own outcomes end to end - step in, step up and see things through without waiting to be asked.   We make decisions with urgency, say the hard thing, and hold each other to high standards with care and directness. We move first and learn fast anticipating where our customers are going next, continuously challenging ourselves.  

We invest in the skills, learning and opportunities that help people deliver at the level their roles demand, and reward the aptitude and curiosity to grow beyond them. 

Our Values: Own It | Win as One | Raise Our Bar | Move First. Learn Fast 

Job Description:

This is a hybrid role, with a compulsory attendance of 2 days a week in either the London or Cambridge office.

What will I be doing:

As a Security Researcher with a focus on AI systems, you will contribute to a range of projects ranging from rapid prototyping of new ideas to open-ended research initiatives. As a domain expert, you will provide initial insights and ongoing feedback supporting product development, communicating with the product, development, and machine learning teams as needed. Other responsibilities will include:

• Investigating trends in generative AI security,

• Researching and investigating attacker tradecraft,

• Co-ordinating with relevant development, product, and machine learning teams,

• Provide detailed and actionable feedback on product performance.

What experience do I need:

We’re looking for someone with a strong foundation in security and a keen interest in emerging AI technologies. You should be comfortable navigating evolving technical landscapes, understanding how modern systems are built and used, and applying that knowledge to identify and investigate potential threats. The role requires both analytical thinking and the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences.

• Understanding of the evolving landscape of generative AI systems and the ways in which they are commonly used (e.g. popular foundation models, current agentic architectures, etc.)

• Knowledge of attacker tradecraft targeting generative AI chatbots and agentic systems (e.g. direct and indirect prompt injection, poisoning, inference, and extraction attacks)

• Demonstrable experience investigating attacker tradecraft targeting in at least one of the following coverage areas: Network, Endpoint, Cloud or Kubernetes,

• An ability to reason logically in unfamiliar situations, with an aptitude for problem solving,

• The ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Benefits:

• 23 days’ holiday + all public holidays, rising to 25 days after 2 years of service,

• Additional day off for your birthday,

• Private medical insurance which covers you, your cohabiting partner and children,

• Life insurance of 4 times your base salary,

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme,

• Enhanced family leave,

• Confidential Employee Assistance Program,

• Cycle to work scheme.

As a growing business strengthening its governance and controls, this role plays a part in supporting high standards of integrity and accountability. 

Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Darktrace is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact your Talent Partner.