Research Associate

University of Edinburgh Information Services Group

. Build and implement an agentic security stack .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomJuniorMid-Level💰 £41,064 - £48,822 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in cryptography, formal verification, and agentic systems, with a strong ability to translate user requirements into formal specifications and verify protocol properties using tools like LEAN and ProVerif. Proven experience in project management and leadership within security and privacy workstreams is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Cryptography ExpertiseFormal Verification ExperienceLEAN Tool ProficiencyProVerif Tool ProficiencyAgentic Systems Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Cryptographic ProtocolsFormal SpecificationsSecure CommunicationsMulti-Party Computation (MPC)Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK)

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationCommunication

Tools & Technologies

LEANProVerif

Industry Keywords

SecurityPrivacyFormal VerificationAgentic Systems

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and implement an agentic security stack
Decompose tasks by security/privacy risks, requirements, and functionality boundaries
Translate sub-task user requirements into formal specifications
Select or generate suitable cryptographic protocols
Verify protocol properties using LEAN, ProVerif, and related tools
Contribute to planning, management, and delivery of project deliverables across cryptography, formal verification, agentic systems, and security/privacy workstreams
Contribute to research publications, datasets, presentations, posters, and other dissemination activities
Work closely with the Investigator team and take leadership in planning and executing project artefacts and deliverables

Requirements

What you’ll need

Research associate (post-doc or equivalent) experience/level
Expertise in one or more of cryptography, formal verification, agentic systems, and/or security/privacy
Knowledge of cryptographic protocols such as secure communications, MPC, and ZK
Experience with formal specifications and verification tools such as LEAN and ProVerif
Right to work in the UK
Applicants must not require sponsorship; international workers must demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK
CV and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development and subject matter expertise
Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience
Leading-edge research
Opportunities for publication
Generous annual leave entitlement
Defined benefits pension scheme
Wide range of staff discounts
Family-friendly initiatives
Flexible work options
Hybrid working options combining remote and regular on-campus working
Competitive salary