Vulnerability Researcher –Telecoms (Mid-Level & Senior Opportunities)
Location: UKTL Offices, Birmingham (Hybrid – minimum 2 days onsite)
Clearance: DV clearance required or ability to obtain DV clearance
Work Options: Full-time, part-time, or flexible arrangements where business allows
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Vulnerability Researcher in telecoms, you’ll be at the forefront of security innovation—exploring the unknown and uncovering weaknesses in complex systems. Your work will shape the future of telecom security through deep technical research.
* Deep Dive into Telecom Systems – Investigate carrier-grade telecom infrastructure, uncovering vulnerabilities others might miss.
* Work Within Flexible Frameworks – Operate within broad themes and scopes, shifting focus as new insights emerge.
* Prototype Your Own Tools – Build and experiment with custom tooling (e.g., fuzzers, software radio interfaces) using diverse frameworks and languages.
* Continuous Learning – Dissect systems to understand failure points and contribute to long-term security advancements.
About You
You’re curious, driven, and passionate about uncovering how things work—and how they break. You thrive in complex technical environments and enjoy pushing boundaries to discover vulnerabilities others overlook.
Core Skills & Experience:
* Knowledge of cryptographic algorithms (encryption, authentication, signatures) and their misuse.
* Familiarity with data structures, distributed systems, virtualisation, and containerisation.
* Expertise in network protocols and software internals—from assembly to interpreted languages.
* Linux internals proficiency and ability to learn new programming languages quickly.
* Experience with memory corruption bugs and bypass techniques (ASLR, stack canaries, heap guards).
* Reverse engineering skills using tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or source code analysis.
* Ethical exploitation techniques across low-level software and web platforms.
Senior Level – What Sets You Apart
* Lead and Drive Research Initiatives – Set technical vision and strategy for vulnerability research.
* Mentor and Guide – Support junior researchers and foster a culture of innovation.
* Broader Expertise – Deep knowledge of hardware/software development lifecycles and embedded systems.
* Advanced Debugging – Proficiency with debugging and understanding what is going on inside a system.
* Strategic Impact – Apply your expertise to solve real-world security problems across telecom hardware, software, and systems.
* Ideally you'll have a strong understanding of telecom technologies (e.g., 4G/5G, fibre broadband, OpenRAN) or a deep understeering of relevant technologies
About Us
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.
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.
We offer a wealth of above industry standard benefits, such as enhanced pension scheme, flexible working, and more
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