Job: Graduate Computer Scientist and Information Technology Specialist (Cyber)

The work

Graduate Computer Scientists and Software Engineers at Dstl carry out research, development and assessment roles in support of current and future equipment and systems used by UK Armed Forces. Graduates in this field also help to deliver objective and independent scientific and technical advice to MOD and wider Government on the UK’s defence and security issues. Graduates in this field at Dstl come from a wide range of technical areas including, but not limited to, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Network Science, Modelling & Simulation, Information Management, Information Exploitation, Information Security, Data Communications, Computer Networks and Software Development.

The work is very varied, encompassing a variety of research techniques, training opportunities, the chance to apply your skills to a broad range of questions, and the opportunity to develop good domain knowledge in the area in which you work.

Work areas include practical research into emerging ICT and computing techniques and technologies; development of new techniques relevant to military applications; developing and testing solutions to current and potential future threats to UK defence and security; and evaluation of military and commercial ICT systems through analysis and modelling, laboratory testing and field trials. Graduate computer scientists and software engineers work with project teams from other technical areas across Dstl and with external organisations from Industry and Academia.

In addition to the general graduate roles described above, further specific graduate roles in computer science and software engineering include:

• Development and analysis of embedded ICT systems and firmware.
• Practical research and development activities in mobile communications, networks and protocols – including WiFi and NFC.
• High level and low level software development and analysis. Programming in C, C++, Java and others as required.
• Technical and information assurance, computer architectures and computer security including encryption and crypto techniques. Analysis of computer architectures and OS including Windows, Linux, Android.
• Software and computing graduates who join our Cyber capability will identify and assess cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in commercial, military and infrastructure technologies and systems – including general purpose and embedded ICT – identifying ways in which system operation could be influenced or degraded and how this can be countered.
• Development of novel and bespoke tools, models and techniques to solve challenging new problems in the above areas.
• Applying electronics and radio-frequency (RF) engineering expertise to assess cyber security threats and to identify analyse and counter cyber vulnerabilities in electronic and RF systems.
• Applying software engineering expertise to develop tools and software to solve challenging new problems.
• Conducting vulnerability assessments of new Information and Communication Technologies; including operating systems; applications and communication protocols.
• Applying innovative techniques using both hardware and software technologies to develop a detailed understanding of Cyber Malware.
• Researching and assessing the value and potential risks of Cyber/ICT technological developments.
• Use of modelling and simulation to assess the veracity of new exploit techniques.
• Deriving defences against known and emerging Cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
• Penetration testing of Networks and Systems.

Purpose

As a Graduate at Dstl you will make an immediate contribution to projects which help Dstl maximise the impact of science and technology on UK Defence and Security.

For this specific role you would be required to provide technical support and guidance to high priority capabilities for UK defence and security, including Cyber. The role involves understanding threats, the nature of system vulnerabilities, analysing system characteristics, and developing counter-techniques and technologies from initial concept to in-service use. Successful candidates will work with a variety of tools and techniques and are expected to develop a technical specialism.

Accountabilities

You will be responsible for undertaking specific tasks as assigned by your Team Leader, with the opportunity to gain greater responsibility as your competence and experience develops.

Illustrative tasks include:

• Work as part of a team to develop and deliver scientific, analytical and engineering solutions to the UK’s defence & security issues;
• Collect, manage and analyse data within your projects from a wide range of sources e.g. literature, trials, experiments, modelling, surveys, and including that obtained from academia and industry in order to inform future decision making;
• Develop novel and bespoke tools, models and techniques to solve challenging new problems;
• Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of project management to enhance technical delivery;
• Communicate your project results to Dstl’s customers in a form which non-scientists can understand to an agreed standard;
• Write up your work into formal technical reports;
• Gain an understanding of the UK's Armed forces and the issues they face currently and in the future along with wider defence and security awareness.
• You will also be expected to engage fully with the development opportunities offered under the two-year graduate development programme.

Key Performance Indicators

• Provide a valuable contribution to projects.
• Take an active role in the Graduate Development Programme

These will be measured through formal reviews every four months, and through the use of your personal Performance Development Agreement.

Working conditions

There may be the need to work at other Dstl sites and other MOD locations, and to visit Industry and Academia as required. There may also be opportunities to work within other Government Departments on a temporary basis (subject to individual circumstance and business need) and hence flexibility and agility is a key attribute of any successful candidate. Some roles may involve some international travel. Therefore, a flexible approach with an ability to travel at short notice is desirable for certain posts.

Security Clearance Required

• Candidates must be UK Nationals, we are sorry but Dual Nationals cannot be considered.
• All posts require standard Security Clearance (SC)
• In addition some posts will require additional Developed Vetting (DV).
• All applicants must have resided in the UK for the previous 5 years.

More Info and Application