Senior Research Director, Cloud Security

IDC Senior Research Director, Cloud Security

Location:

US

IDC is seeking a Senior Research Director to lead its cloud security research practice. This role will define IDC's point of view on how cloud and AI are reshaping security strategies, operating models, and vendor ecosystems. The position focuses on security across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments, with particular emphasis on cloud-native architectures, multicloud security management, workload and infrastructure protection, and identity-driven security models.

A key priority is helping clients understand how to secure increasingly distributed applications and data across containers, Kubernetes, APIs, and modern development pipelines. A central focus of this role is the intersection of cloud security and artificial intelligence—both the use of AI to improve security outcomes and the need to secure AI-enabled systems. This includes evaluating AI-driven threat detection, automation of security operations, and emerging risks associated with AI workloads and services.

This is a high-visibility role requiring close engagement with enterprise buyers, technology vendors, and IDC stakeholders to deliver actionable, data-driven insights that inform technology strategy and investment decisions.

• Research & Market Leadership: Serve as IDC's subject matter expert on cloud security, including market trends, competitive dynamics, and vendor strategies. Lead development of market forecasts, taxonomies, and research frameworks aligned with IDC methodologies. Drive coverage of key areas including cloud-native security, CNAPP, identity and access management, workload protection, and multicloud security.
• Thought Leadership & Industry Insight: Develop forward‑looking perspectives on the evolution of cloud security, including platform consolidation and AI‑driven security models. Contribute to high‑impact research including Market Scape assessments and strategic thought leadership. Represent IDC at industry events, executive briefings, and client engagements.
• Client Engagement & Advisory: Deliver clear, actionable guidance to enterprise clients, vendors, and service providers. Support decision‑making through inquiries, briefings, and advisory engagements. Lead and deliver custom research projects, including white papers, surveys, and strategy sessions.
• Business Development & Revenue Contribution: Partner with sales and marketing to support growth of the cloud security research practice. Support and expand an existing book of business across syndicated and custom offerings. Identify emerging market opportunities and contribute to new research and advisory products.
• Research Delivery & Communication: Produce high‑quality written and verbal analysis across formats including forecasts, market analysis, and event‑driven insights. Translate complex technical and market developments into clear, structured insights for diverse audiences. Maintain a consistent cadence of research aligned with client needs and market developments.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of relevant experience in technology research, consulting, product strategy, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, or a related field
• Strong expertise in cybersecurity markets, with deep knowledge of cloud security technologies, architectures, and vendor landscape
• Solid understanding of AI, cloud, and data platform trends, particularly where they intersect with security, risk, and governance
• Demonstrated ability to analyze emerging markets, synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs, and produce clear, differentiated research insights
• Proven experience developing market forecasts, competitive analysis, and thought leadership content for enterprise and vendor audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics to senior executive audiences
• Travel varies, but is typically between 20% and 30%
• Desired work model 100% Remote

• 15 vacation days (prorated based on start date)
• 12 company‑paid holidays
• 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state)
• Medical, dental, and vision…