IT Security Operations Engineer

Your role

The IT Security Operations Engineer will play a key role in the day-to-day operation and continuous improvement of EMBL-EBI’s cybersecurity capabilities. Working alongside infrastructure, platform and service teams, you will be responsible for vulnerability management, incident response, security monitoring, operational security processes and the implementation of technical security controls.

This is a hands-on technical role focused on protecting EMBL-EBI’s IT environment while continually improving security operations through automation, process optimisation and collaboration across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the EMBL-EBI vulnerability management programme, including identification, prioritisation, remediation tracking and reporting activities over all technology assets.
• Work with IT Operations, Infrastructure and Service Delivery teams to reduce our external attack surface and technology risk across the enterprise.
• Support the day-to-day operation of EMBL-EBI’s cybersecurity services and controls.
• Investigate, respond to and coordinate security incidents, working closely with technical teams to minimise operational impact.
• Monitor security events and alerts from security tooling, investigating suspicious activity and escalating where appropriate.
• Maintain and improve operational security processes, procedures and documentation.
• Support the deployment, configuration and optimisation of security technologies.
• Work with infrastructure and platform teams to implement security improvements across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Collaborate with our European security teams and third-party service providers.
• Develop and maintain operational security metrics, dashboards and reporting.
• Automate routine security tasks and improve operational efficiency through scripting and workflow optimisation.
• Perform security assessments and support risk remediation activities.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of security standards, policies and technical baselines.
• Contribute to disaster recovery, business continuity and operational resilience initiatives.
• Participate in security projects supporting the wider cybersecurity strategy.
• Monitor emerging cyber threats and recommend improvements to strengthen EMBL-EBI’s security posture.
• Provide practical security advice and guidance to technical teams across the organisation.

Skills & Attributes

• Passionate about improving operational security and reducing cyber risk.
• Collaborative, approachable and service-oriented.
• Able to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to continual improvement.
• Comfortable balancing security requirements with operational needs.
• Curious, proactive and keen to develop new technical skills.
• Able to communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders.

You have

• Experience working in an IT Security Operations, Cyber Security or Infrastructure Security role.
• Strong understanding of vulnerability management processes and remediation workflows.
• Experience investigating and responding to security incidents.
• Familiarity with security monitoring technologies, SIEM platforms and endpoint security solutions.
• Knowledge of operating system security across Mac, Windows and Linux environments.
• Experience with identity and access management concepts.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and common security protocols.
• Experience administering or supporting enterprise security technologies such as endpoint protection, email security, firewalls and vulnerability scanners.
• Experience writing scripts using PowerShell, Python, Bash or similar languages to automate operational tasks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

You may also have

• Experience securing public cloud platforms.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 security technologies.
• Experience with vulnerability management platforms such as Tenable, Qualys or Rapid7.
• Familiarity with SIEM and security automation platforms such as Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk or Elastic.
• Experience implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR) technologies.
• Understanding of Identity Governance and Privileged Access Management.
• Knowledge of cyber security frameworks and implementing and maintaining effective security controls.
• Experience working in scientific research, higher education or the public sector

Contract length: 3 year project based contract

Salary: Grade 5 or 6, monthly salary from £3452.05 or £3861.91 after tax, plus generous benefits and financial allowances based on individual circumstances. Excluding 12.99% personal pension and insurance contributions.

Why join us

Do something meaningful

At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, is a worldwide leader in the storage, analysis and dissemination of large biological datasets. We provide the global research community with access to publicly available databases and tools which are crucial for the advancement of healthcare, food security, and biodiversity.

Join a culture of innovation

We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their professional potential. Watch this video to see how EMBL-EBI makes an impact.

Enjoy lots of benefits:

• Financial incentives: Monthly family, child and non-resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns

• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover)

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition public holidays

• Relocation package including installation grant (if required)

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery, 10 days of child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances

• Benefits for non-UK residents: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non-resident allowance.

For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here.

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Please take a look at our International Applicants page for further information.

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date