Maths and Cryptography Roles
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will train as a maths and cryptography specialist and solve security problems across cryptography, cryptanalysis, network exploitation, cyber security, data science, digital signals and mathematical modelling. You will evaluate or develop theorems, study or design cryptographic protocols, and apply mathematical analysis to government security projects.
Requirements
- Have or expect to obtain at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a mathematical discipline by September 2027
- Have a background in mathematics, computer science or a subject with substantial mathematical content
- Have recent work experience in a maths-focused role if not a recent graduate
- Be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality
- Live within commuting distance of Cheltenham
Responsibilities
- Solve mathematical and cryptographic security problems
- Evaluate existing theorems or develop new ones
- Study or design cryptographic protocols
- Apply algebra, probability, number theory, statistics and optimisation
- Contribute to security projects and key government decisions
- Collaborate in multi-skilled teams
Benefits
- Recruitment bonus of £4,738
- 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 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
Hiring Process
Initial online application and pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → full online application → online maths questions → application sift → online assessment centre with mathematics aptitude test, presentation, group exercise, individual technical exercises and panel interview.