NCSC Cyber Security Analyst

About us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners, MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage.

At GCHQ youll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that emphasises teamwork.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Governments lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Governments cyber security strategy and aims to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

The role

As a Cyber Security Analyst at the NCSC, youll be at the heart of the UKs cyber defence. Working alongside industry, intelligence partners, international allies, and law enforcement, youll help prevent, disrupt and investigate the most serious cyber threats facing the UK. In this role, youll tackle complex challenges using a range of techniques supported by our unique access to data, capabilities and legal authorities.

Developing a detailed understanding of how hostile cyber actors operate sits at the core of this role, alongside working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver reliable, evidence-based guidance to expert communities across the UK and internationally. Within an Agile environment, youll work on a variety of projects, helping to build insight into adversaries intent, capabilities and the vulnerabilities they target. By analysing threats and trends, and identifying patterns and connections, your work supports the development of a comprehensive view of the cyber threat landscape. Sharing this insight is key to strengthening defences and countering those who seek to do harm to the UK.

Depending on your skills and interests, you may specialise in one or more areas within Cyber Security. This could include intrusion analysis, operational technology, penetration testing or malware analysis. You might also explore the security of networking and telecommunications technologies.

About you

Were looking for someone with a genuine enthusiasm to learn, who can develop, adapt and apply their skills across a wide range of investigative problems to deliver meaningful impact and help protect the UK.

Youll hold a degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent qualification in a STEM subject. Alternatively you may have relevant work experience in a technical or cyber security role. Applicants without a degree must demonstrate relevant work experience, together with GCSEs (grade C/4 or above, or equivalent) in English Language and Maths. Alongside this, youll bring a keen interest in cyber security, supported by an analytical approach and a proactive, problem-solving mindset. Youll be comfortable working both collaboratively and independently, with the ability to explore, understand and communicate complex technical concepts clearly. With a tenacious and naturally curious approach, youll continuously apply your learning gained both on and off the job to deepen your understanding of the UKs cyber adversaries and contribute to the effective defence of our networks.

GCHQ Competencies

As part of the selection process, the NCSC will assess you using competencies aligned with those used across the UK Intelligence Community. These are closely based on the Civil Service Behaviours, so if youre familiar with those, youre already on the right track.

At Level 2, well be looking at how you demonstrate the following:

Continuously Developing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Developing Self and Others)

Communicating and Influencing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Communicating and Influencing)

Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together)

Making Effective Decisions (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Making Effective Decisions)

Delivering Outcomes (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Delivering at Pace)

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours

Learning and development

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment, which is designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.