Junior Security Analyst

About the Department

Department BSD CTD - Security. The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to solve impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data‑driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life.

We architect ecosystems of large‑scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery.

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) is seeking a highly motivated Junior Security Analyst who is passionate about information security. In this hands‑on, entry‑level role, you will support the protection of multi‑petabyte scale data on platforms like GDC and Gen3 data commons while actively collaborating with cross‑functional teams. Your eagerness to learn is just as important as your current skill set.

We are committed to mentorship, fostering your growth as a well‑rounded practitioner who moves beyond administrative tasks to provide meaningful security support, stays up to date on emerging threats, and advocates for the improvement of CTDS’s products and services. If you are ready to soak up knowledge and make a tangible impact on the security of critical data science initiatives, we want to hear from you.

This at‑will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

• Support day‑to‑day security operations and triage incoming security tickets.
• Support the vulnerability management lifecycle to help identify, track, and remediate risks.
• Assist the team with basic incident response, monitoring, log analysis and reporting.
• Write and maintain basic Python scripts to help automate routine security tasks.
• Contribute to ongoing security projects, such as our transition to a zero‑trust network access model.
• Provide necessary support for pulling supporting Governmental reporting paperwork and compliance documentation.
• Under close supervision, perform basic technical support procedures to ensure the safety of information systems.
• Identify potential hardware and software deficiencies on systems such as web servers, mail servers, routers, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
• Learn fundamental security penetration tests to identify system vulnerability against malicious code, system exploitation using SQL injection, cross‑site scripting, buffer overflows, parameter tampering, hidden field manipulation, cookie poisoning, and web services manipulation.
• Perform other related work as needed.

• Education:
  
  Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or equivalent experience in a related field (not typically required to have a four‑year degree).
• Work Experience:
  
  Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications:
  
  –

• Education:
  
  Associate or bachelor’s degree in progress within cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Foundational understanding of basic security principles and IT operations. Familiarity with Python and a genuine interest in improving your scripting abilities.
• Competencies:
  
  Strong willingness to learn, ask questions, and adapt to new challenges.
• Can respond to changing priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic demand‑based environment, requiring extreme flexibility and responsiveness.
• Can build trust and work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Can present information in a consistent and concise manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to foster collaborative working relationships.

Hybrid office/remote.

Pay…