Join Us at UK Biobank: Shape the Future of Information Security
At UK Biobank, we are proud to manage one of the world’s most important health research resources. Protecting our data is a responsibility we take to heart. As our systems evolve, new services roll out, and we embrace cutting-edge cloud technologies, maintaining the security of our digital and physical assets remains paramount. That’s where you come in.
We’re offering a unique opportunity to join our expanding Data & Technology team and redefine how we approach information security. As a key contributor, you’ll bolster our security architecture, mitigate vulnerabilities, and proactively address emerging threats to ensure we stay ahead in a fast-changing digital landscape.
Your Role:
Reporting directly to the Head of Information Security, you’ll act as our information security expert, collaborating closely with both internal technical teams and external partners. Your mission? Safeguard our systems, support our users, and respond decisively to threats. You’ll also play a vital role in embedding security into the design of new systems, contributing to our broader technology transformation agenda from the outset.
What You’ll Do:
- Implement and manage security systems: Ensure robust protection for endpoints, end-users, and data, employing tools for intrusion detection/prevention, data loss prevention, and security posture management.
- Deploy updates: Oversee the application of security patches, firmware updates, drivers, and other system enhancements.
- Conduct risk assessments: Identify security risks and provide actionable mitigation strategies.
- Strengthen network security: Work with infrastructure and networking teams to deploy measures such as network segmentation, software-defined networking (SDN), and security service edge (SSE) solutions.
- Collaborate with Security Operations Centre (SOC): Handle alerts and responses from the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) service (e.g., MS Sentinel).
- Manage incidents: Investigate and resolve cybersecurity issues swiftly and efficiently.
Through collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, you’ll proactively assess risks and implement scalable, practical security solutions that preserve system integrity while maintaining ease of use for stakeholders.
What You Need to Succeed:
Core Requirements:
- Experience: Ideally 5 years in an operational security engineering role within a complex, multi-site organization.
- Qualifications: CompTIA Security , SSCP, or an equivalent certification.
- Expertise: Familiarity with security models, frameworks, and controls such as ISO, NIST, CIS, OWASP, CAF, and NCSC best practices.
- Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of data privacy regulations, particularly DPA and GDPR.
- Cyber Threat Awareness: Deep knowledge of current and emerging cybersecurity threats.
- Technical Skills: Experience securing platforms including Windows, Mac, Linux, databases, networks, cloud services, applications, and software code, as well as proficiency in SIEM solutions (ideally MS Sentinel).
- Network Architecture: Understanding Zero Trust Network Architectures and networking principles.
- Incident Response: Experience in continuity planning, incident management, and cybersecurity response.
Desirable Qualities:
- Advanced certifications such as CISM, CISSP, or CCSP.
- Familiarity with firewall administration and configuration.
- Experience with identity management, access control systems, and data classification.
- Knowledge of cryptography and secure communication protocols.
About UK Biobank
UK Biobank is an unparalleled health research resource, providing crucial data to scientific communities worldwide. With cutting-edge tools and resources, we ensure that researchers can identify and address the causes of chronic illnesses for decades to come. By joining our team, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our systems so they can be leveraged for life-changing discoveries.
Why Join Us?
We’re committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where wellbeing and professional growth are paramount. Working at UK Biobank means being part of a team that values your contributions and helps you thrive—in and outside work.
Benefits Include:
- Work-Life Balance: 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with opportunities to buy additional time off.
- Special Leave: Celebrate your birthday with a paid day off.
- Financial Security: Hybrid pension scheme (USS), season ticket loans, and life assurance coverage.
- Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave from day one.
- Wellbeing Focus: Access to a healthcare cash plan, annual flu jabs, an employee assistance program, and a free on-site gym.
- Learning & Development: A budget for professional growth activities, plus reimbursement for job-relevant subscriptions.
- Perks: Subsidized canteen lunches, free parking, access to employee discounts, and more.
This role operates on a hybrid schedule, based in Greater Manchester. Initially in Stockport, our headquarters will relocate to Manchester Science Park in 2026.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re excited to use your expertise to create robust security measures while fostering innovation, this is your chance. Apply now by clicking the ‘Apply’ button above. Ensure your application is submitted promptly, as the closing date for this role may change.
Help us ensure the safety of vital health data. Make an impact at UK Biobank.