IT Security Researcher Jobs

Explore IT Security Researcher jobs with salaries of $100,000 or more on Ladders. IT security researchers investigate vulnerabilities, analyze emerging threats, and develop ways to strengthen the systems and software organizations rely on. Browse opportunities across industries and find roles that match your experience in cybersecurity research, application security, or threat analysis.

What Does an IT Security Researcher Do?

IT security researchers identify and assess security weaknesses in software, networks, devices, and cloud environments. Their work may include reverse engineering, penetration testing, malware analysis, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept demonstrations. Researchers often share findings with engineering teams, help prioritize fixes, and communicate risk to technical and business stakeholders.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek strong knowledge of operating systems, networking, programming, and security concepts. Experience with languages such as Python, C, or C++, along with tools for static and dynamic analysis, can be valuable. Depending on the position, roles may also call for expertise in application security, cryptography, incident response, cloud security, or responsible vulnerability disclosure. Practical research experience and clear technical writing are useful across many teams.

Where IT Security Researchers Work

IT security researchers work for technology companies, cybersecurity vendors, financial institutions, consulting firms, and public-sector organizations. Some focus on securing a company's products and infrastructure, while others study threats and vulnerabilities across a broader ecosystem. Job titles and responsibilities vary, so review each listing for its research focus, required experience, and work arrangements.

Find High-Paying IT Security Researcher Jobs

Use Ladders to discover vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare IT Security Researcher openings, explore roles aligned with your cybersecurity expertise, and take the next step toward a rewarding security research career.

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$122K - $175K *

Elevate your career by joining our team as a Staff Threat Researcher, where you'll analyze complex cyber threats, develop detection methodologies, and enhance our defensive capabilities across diverse...

Bellevue, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$171K - $245K *

Join us as a Principal Threat Researcher, where you'll analyze adversary behavior, develop detection methodologies, and drive innovation in cybersecurity. Your expertise will shape product strategy an...

Bellevue, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Engineer next-gen AppSec solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance detection capabilities and drive innovation in vulnerability research and autonomous pen-testing...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Transform vulnerability detection by leveraging innovative technology and research. Join a team dedicated to crafting detection logic to identify critical vulnerabilities, ensuring clients stay one st...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of cybersecurity initiatives by monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats. Collaborate with IT teams to enhance security posture and ensure compliance while staying upda...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$191K - $293K *

Explore the future of security by leading vulnerability research efforts, enhancing software defenses, and streamlining remediation processes to protect critical networks from emerging threats...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion our security posture by designing and automating detection and response systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance incident response and improve security practices, ensuring...

RemoteRemote

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing security design processes, ensuring high-quality project delivery, and collaborating with designers and project managers to drive efficiency in mission-critic...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$346K - $500K+*

Shape a secure future for research technologies. Lead in defining security for multi-cloud environments that enable high-compute research, ensuring safety in CI/CD practices and automated systems for...

Berkeley, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $150K *

Unlock potential by driving hardware security assessments, improving client security postures, and delivering actionable insights. Collaborate with teams and engage directly with clients while enhanci...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Cybersecurity Consultant to evaluate and enhance clients' security postures across diverse environments. Drive proactive assessments, collaborate with experts, and deliver act...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $225K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Security Engineering team. Drive technical direction, own security architecture, and collaborate closely with operations to build robust security platforms and...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $242K *

Shape the future of cybersecurity by developing innovative architectures and strategies that integrate AI and emerging technologies, enhancing security capabilities across multiple domains while colla...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a dynamic team to lead design and optimization of enterprise security controls. Focus on guarding data and networks utilizing advanced Palo Alto solutions while collaborating across various techn...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Unlock potential by safeguarding digital assets through comprehensive security assessments, including penetration tests and vulnerability evaluations. Enhance cybersecurity awareness and strategies to...

Michigan, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of cybersecurity by leveraging your SOC expertise to triage alerts, analyze threats, and implement effective response actions, ensuring robust protection for clien...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engineer robust application delivery and edge security solutions, ensuring seamless operations across on-premises and cloud environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance security, troubleshoot compl...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $175K *

Lead the charge in building trust through compliance frameworks, guiding customers and teams in navigating security and data protection. Engage directly with clients, translating complex compliance ne...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Engage in transformative DevOps practices by implementing AWS technologies and tooling. Collaborate with product teams to enhance cloud infrastructure, security, and CI/CD pipelines, contributing to a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate the security of AI agents by uncovering vulnerabilities and shaping industry standards through impactful research and responsible disclosure across diverse platforms and technologies...

New York City, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Transform your career by enhancing data security and integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement robust security measures, conduct audits, and mitigate risks while staying ahead of...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $125K *

Elevate your career by proactively defending cloud environments through hands-on threat hunting and incident response. Collaborate with engineers to enhance security measures, ensuring exam integrity...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $115K *

Oversee the management of Security design tasks, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule while mentoring junior consultants and proactively addressing project risks for successful...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Empower your career by leading IT security initiatives, assessing risks, and driving remediation efforts across the enterprise. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security posture and...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an IT Security Researcher do?question toggle

    An IT Security Researcher investigates vulnerabilities and threats affecting software, networks, devices, and cloud systems. They analyze risks, develop findings or demonstrations, and help organizations improve security.

  • What skills are useful for IT Security Researcher jobs?question toggle

    Useful skills include programming, networking, operating systems, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security testing. Employers may also value experience in areas such as application security, malware analysis, cloud security, or cryptography.

  • What qualifications do employers look for in an IT Security Researcher?question toggle

    Requirements vary by role. Employers often look for practical security research experience, strong technical fundamentals, and the ability to explain findings clearly. Some positions may prefer a relevant degree, certifications, or specialized expertise.

  • How much do IT Security Researchers earn?question toggle

    Compensation depends on experience, location, employer, and specialization. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, so browse current listings to see available salary information.

  • Where can I find high-paying IT Security Researcher jobs?question toggle

    You can explore IT Security Researcher opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders. Review listings for salary, responsibilities, required skills, and work arrangements.