Research Associate
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What you'll do
- Push the boundaries of Agentic AI trustworthiness at the intersection of cryptography, privacy enhancing technologies (PETS), agentic systems, and automated verifiable design.
- Build/implement an agentic security stack that decomposes tasks by security/privacy risks/requirements and functionality boundaries.
- Translate sub-task user requirements into formal specifications.
- Select or generate suitable cryptographic protocols (e.g. secure comms, MPC, ZK).
- Verify properties using tools such as LEAN and Proverif.
- Significantly contribute to the planning, management, and delivery of project deliverables for the work steams (Cryptography, Formal verification, Agentic systems, and/or Security/Privacy).
- Contribute to academic outputs such as research publications, datasets, and dissemination activities (e.g. presentations and posters).
- Work closely with the Investigator team in the planning and execution of project artefacts and deliverables.
What they're looking for
- Post-doc or equivalent research experience
- Right to work in the UK
Summarised by NextRaise from the employer’s description, which follows in full below.
Full description from employer
Research Associate
Location: Edinburgh - Central Area, Midlothian, United Kingdom · Reference: 14862
Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum, pro rata if part time
School of Informatics / CSE
Full Time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term: 12 months fixed term contract with possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability
The Opportunity:
Push the boundaries of Agentic AI trustworthiness at the intersection of cryptography, privacy enhancing technologies (PETS), agentic systems, and automated verifiable design.
We are hiring four (4) research associates (post-doc or equivalent) to join our teaming working building/implmenting an agentic security stack that decomposes tasks by security/privacy risks/requirements and functionality boundaries, translates sub-task user requirements into formal specifications, selects or generates suitable cryptographic protocols (e.g. secure comms, MPC, ZK), and verifies their properties (with LEAN, Proverif, etc.). Its goal is an end-to-end workflow in which agents (from orchestrators to sub-agents) can negotiate security needs and connect verified protocol descriptions to executable multi-agent interactions.
The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our researchers’ performance and wellbeing.
As a research associate, you will significantly contribute to the planning, management, and delivery of project deliverables for the work steams you will work within (Cryptography, Formal verification, Agentic systems, and/or Security/Privacy) as well as contribute to academic outputs such as research publications, datasets, and dissemination activities (e.g. presentations and posters). You will work closely with the Investigator team, and take leadership as appropriate, in the planning and execution of project artefacts and deliverables.
People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Professional development and subject matter expertise.
- Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience.
- Leading-edge research.
- Opportunities for publication.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
View the full job description(opens in a new browser tab)
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages(opens new browser tab)
On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 2 October 2026.
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.
Interviews will be held mid-October.
Company
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