Maths and Cryptography Roles
GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency.
About GCHQ
A UK government executive agency responsible for foreign-focused signals intelligence and cyber security work. It operates the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which provides public-facing cyber-security guidance, tools, frameworks and incident-response services.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will use mathematical skills to solve critical problems across cryptography, cryptanalysis, network exploitation, cyber security, data science, digital signals, and mathematical modelling. You will evaluate and develop theorems, study and design cryptographic protocols, apply mathematical disciplines, and complete projects that inform government decisions.
Requirements
- Have or expect to obtain by September 2027 at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a mathematical discipline
- Have recently worked in a role where mathematics is the main component if not a recent graduate
- Demonstrate mathematical knowledge
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Pass Developed Vetting security clearance
- Live within commuting distance of Cheltenham
Responsibilities
- Solve mathematical and cryptographic security problems
- Evaluate existing theorems and develop new theorems
- Study and design cryptographic protocols
- Apply algebra, probability, number theory, statistics, and optimisation
- Contribute to security projects using technology
- Complete projects that inform government decisions
- Collaborate in multi-skilled teams
Benefits
- Recruitment bonus of £4,738
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years of service
- 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
- Flexible working arrangements subject to business needs
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Subsidised gym and restaurant
- On-site coffee bars
- Paid parental and adoption leave
- Reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for in-person recruitment and vetting appointments
Hiring Process
Initial online application and eligibility pre-screening → online Situational Judgement Test → full online application → online mathematics questions → application sift → online assessment centre with mathematics aptitude test, mathematics presentation, group exercise, individual technical exercises, and panel interview.