We are seeking candidates to join our AI security group at Lancaster University, and  become part of this rapidly growing research field.

This position focuses on AI Agent Security, and specifically Shadow AI. ShadowAI – the deployment and use of Artificial Intelligence within an organisation without knowledge or approval from security teams – is a major issue within companies, given the rapid uptake of agents within organisations. ShadowAI is often hidden or embedded within software applications, and introduces threats spanning model backdoors, coordinated attacks, AI safety issues, and data leakage. This is particularly problematic given the introduction of ShadowAI at the computing edge to the wider organisation. Current tools and methods proposed across both academia and industry are unable to address this issue.

In this project, you will research how to defend AI agents from cyber attack. This research will provide opportunities resources atypical to a postdoctoral post, including a rapidly growing AI security lab, a large-scale GPU datacenter containing state-of-the-art foundation models, as well as direct collaboration with an award-winning AI security company Mindgard (https://mindgard.ai/), where you will work with industry researchers to tackle real-world problems. This project is a rare opportunity to become among the very few researchers in the world specialising in AI system security – an area that is becoming increasingly sought after in both academia and industry.

You will have a PhD in Computer Science, with expertise within cyber security, Artificial Intelligence, or distributed systems. Direct experience within AI security, Adversarial Machine Learning, or workload anomaly detection would be a bonus. Findings of this research are intended to be rapidly disseminated into industry, thus experience with developing prototypes and good software development skills are desirable.

The Edge AI Hub (https://edgeaihub.co.uk) is a £10M EPSRC project dedicated to systematic understanding of Cyber Disturbances in the context of edge AI. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the research theme by carrying out cutting edge research work in security and privacy of AI applications and processes on the edge. This is a unique opportunity to work with an international team of researchers spanning multiple institutions in academia and industry as part of the flagship UKRI hub in AI. 

The School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University was ranked 14th in the UK for research power according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with 94% of research rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). Lancaster University Cybersecurity represents an area of major strategic importance for Lancaster and we have recently announced a £19m programme of investment in Security and Protection Science. Lancaster University is the only institution in the Northwest recognised as an ACE-CSR, ACE-CSE, and offering a double-certified (NCSC and BCS) MSc in Cyber Security.

Closing Date: 28 Jun 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)

The School of Computing and Communications (SCC) is seeking to appoint a LUNar Simulation Facility Manager to manage and oversee our specialist technical provision and support for all aspects of the LUNar Simulation Facility; a cutting-edge highly reconfigurable facility aligned to the UK’s modern industrial strategy and National Nuclear Strategic Plans for skills by supporting teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate Lancaster University programmes.    

The LUNar Simulator is a physical space with flexibility to simulate different control room designs.  It includes hardware and software that is typically found in current and next generation control rooms, leading-edge Audio-Visual equipment and furniture that can be used to flexibly configure different scenarios and record student interactions in the simulator environment.

The simulator facility will be an invaluable teaching tool, enabling students to put into practice the theory from their undergraduate, master’s and doctoral courses, initially within the School of Computing & Communications, School of Engineering, and the Psychology Department.  It will also be used to train Lancaster University PhD students from the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Skills and Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) which is training the next generation of nuclear energy researchers.  

Applicants should have an aptitude for working in a team based, support oriented IT operation using methodology such as ITL.  We are looking for excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills, with proven experience of formal project management practices.  You will ensure day to day technical support of the highest professional quality, and provide leadership for the specialist technical, resource and equipment needs of the LUNar Facility.  

We are particularly looking for candidates who can inform and shape future developments, and be integral in ensuring that the staff, student and customer experience is safe, positive and supportive.  

Duties will primarily include delivery of administration, support and development of the various systems and services of the LUNar Facility, including their associated housekeeping systems; managing the Helpdesk system resolving referred queries in a timely and professional manner and ensuring facility maintenance is completed to the appropriate standards and practices for service provision and project delivery.

We are committed to creating a supportive, family-friendly inclusive working environment.  Learn more about equality, diversity and inclusivity at Lancaster University.  More information about living and working at Lancaster can also be found online.  More information about the School can be found at www.lancaster.ac.uk/scc.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Paul Smith.  paul.smith@lancaster.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 01 Jun 2026

Department: Professional/Management

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite)

Senior Research Associate in Medical Device Cyber Security 

Closing Date: 07 Jun 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)