Security and Privacy Research Team Leader

Lead the future of telecoms security research The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), part of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is at the forefront of strengthening the security, resilience and performance of the UK's telecommunications ecosystem. We are looking for an experienced Security & Privacy Research Team Leader to lead a talented team of researchers delivering impactful security and privacy research across current and emerging telecommunications technologies.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technical leader who is passionate about cyber security, telecommunications and developing people. You'll combine strategic leadership with technical oversight, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research that influences industry, government and the wider telecoms community.

Lead the future of telecoms security research The UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL), part of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), is at the forefront of strengthening the security, resilience and performance of the UK's telecommunications ecosystem. We are looking for an experienced Security & Privacy Research Team Leader to lead a talented team of researchers delivering impactful security and privacy research across current and emerging telecommunications technologies.

This is an exciting opportunity for a technical leader who is passionate about cyber security, telecommunications and developing people. You'll combine strategic leadership with technical oversight, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research that influences industry, government and the wider telecoms community.

As Security & Privacy Research Team Leader, you will provide leadership, direction and support to a multidisciplinary team conducting hands‑on research across a wide range of technologies, including:

• 5G and future mobile networks
• Fibre broadband and carrier‑grade infrastructure
• Radio communications and Software Defined Radio (SDR)
• Software and hardware security
• Cryptography and privacy‑enhancing technologies
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• SIM and Java Card technologies
• Non‑terrestrial and satellite networks

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of Security & Privacy Researchers across varying levels of experience.
• Create a high‑performing, collaborative and inclusive research culture where individuals can grow their technical capability and progress their careers.
• Set the strategic direction for security and privacy research activities, aligning work with UKTL's priorities and research roadmap.
• Oversee the delivery of high‑quality research outputs including technical reports, prototypes, recommendations, evidence packs and stakeholder briefings.
• Ensure research is robust, repeatable and impactful, maintaining high standards of quality assurance and knowledge management.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, coaching and performance development across the team.
• Build strong relationships with government departments, industry, academia, standards bodies, communications service providers and technology vendors.
• Collaborate with leadership teams across UKTL and NPL to maximise the impact of the organisation's research programmes.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement, acting as a visible leader through periods of change and growth.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health & safety, security and governance requirements.

What we're looking for We're interested in technical leaders who bring a combination of research expertise, people leadership and a passion for solving complex security challenges. You will likely have:

• Proven experience leading or managing technical research, engineering or cyber security teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security, privacy or telecommunications technologies.
• Experience delivering…