Senior Security Researcher

About Darktrace

Darktrace is a global frontrunner in AI-driven cybersecurity, dedicated to enabling organizations to proactively defend against evolving cyber threats. Founded on the unique premise that Adaptive AI can detect and respond to unprecedented, real-time cyber threats, Darktrace emphasizes innovation and vigilance—values that are especially critical in the current era influenced by AI advancements.

At Darktrace, the culture fosters teamwork and accountability. Employees are empowered to take full ownership of their responsibilities, act with urgency, speak candidly, and uphold high standards through honest and respectful communications. The company values quick decision-making and continuous learning, always anticipating customer needs and surpassing expectations.

Individuals are encouraged to develop their competencies through ongoing access to skill-building and professional growth opportunities, with a strong emphasis on curiosity and capability beyond current roles.

Role Overview

This position is a hybrid role requiring mandatory attendance for two days weekly at the London or Cambridge offices.

As a Security Researcher specializing in AI systems, you will engage in various projects. These involve rapid prototyping as well as exploratory research, aimed at enhancing product development and contributing expert insights into emerging cybersecurity challenges related to AI. Collaboration with product, development, and machine learning teams is a core component, ensuring product feedback is in-depth and actionable.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and explore trends related to security in generative AI technologies.
• Conduct research and detailed investigations into attacker methodologies and techniques.
• Collaborate closely with development, product management, and machine learning teams to inform and improve solutions.
• Deliver comprehensive feedback to refine and optimize product effectiveness and performance.

Experience and Skills Required

• Strong grounding in cybersecurity with a focused interest in emergent AI technology landscapes.
• Familiarity with contemporary generative AI systems, including popular foundation models and agentic architectures.
• In-depth understanding of attacker techniques targeting generative AI chatbots and agentic platforms, addressing methods such as prompt injections, poisoning, inference attacks, and data extraction.
• Proven investigative experience into attacker methods concerning one or more domains: Network, Endpoint, Cloud, or Kubernetes environments.
• Analytical reasoning skills paired with effective problem-solving aptitude in unfamiliar contexts.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex technical topics to varied audiences, including both technical experts and non-specialists.

Employee Benefits

• Annual leave starts at 23 days plus all public holidays, increasing to 25 days after two years of service.
• Additional leave day granted for personal birthday.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance covering the employee, their partner, and children.
• Life insurance providing four times the base salary.
• Participation in a salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Enhanced family leave provisions.
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program.
• Eligibility for a cycle to work scheme to support eco-friendly commuting.

Additional Information

As part of its growth, the company upholds strict governance and integrity standards which this role supports. Darktrace is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace without discrimination based on protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities are available upon request to facilitate the application and interview process.