Explore IT Security Researcher jobs for experienced professionals seeking opportunities to investigate cyber threats, uncover vulnerabilities, and strengthen the security of systems and software. Ladders features vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping you focus your search on high-level opportunities that match your expertise.
IT Security Researchers analyze software, networks, devices, and emerging technologies to identify security weaknesses and understand how attacks work. Depending on the role, they may conduct vulnerability research, reverse engineer malware, develop proof-of-concept exploits, assess threat intelligence, or recommend defenses. Many researchers also communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and collaboration with engineering or incident response teams.
Employers often seek strong knowledge of operating systems, networking, programming, and security principles. Useful experience may include secure code analysis, penetration testing, malware analysis, cryptography, cloud security, or vulnerability disclosure. Clear technical writing, analytical thinking, and the ability to explain risk to different audiences can be important, too. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
Researchers work across technology companies, cybersecurity vendors, financial services, government and defense organizations, consultancies, and research labs. Roles may focus on product security, offensive security, threat research, application security, or emerging areas such as cloud and AI security. Some positions are remote or hybrid, while others require work on-site or access to specialized environments.
Use Ladders to explore vetted IT Security Researcher opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Review each listing’s responsibilities, qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangement to find roles aligned with your experience and career goals. Set up your profile and job alerts to keep track of relevant openings as they become available.
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $240K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic security research team focused on innovative data collection and analysis methodologies, driving strategic technology investments, and shaping the future of se...
2 days ago
Senior Application Security Researcher
$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...
2 weeks ago
Vulnerability Detection Engineer
$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...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the development and operation of a cutting-edge Security Observability & Data Platform, enhancing endpoint security, threat detection, and incident response while driving innovation in security s...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Elevate security standards by leading bug bounty programs, conducting audits, and enhancing software supply chain security. Collaborate across teams to build innovative tools that protect users and en...
2 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Security Engineer - Vulnerability Research
$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...
2 weeks ago
Security Engineer, Detection & Response
$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...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize IT operations by managing day-to-day support for macOS and Windows environments, ensuring seamless onboarding/offboarding, and administering SaaS platforms while enhancing user experience and...
Yesterday
$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...
1 week ago
Security Engineer (Research Infrastructure)
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Hardware Security Consultant / Penetration Tester
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Security Engineering Team Lead
$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...
5 days ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
$90K - $110K *
Unlock potential by safeguarding digital assets through comprehensive security assessments, including penetration tests and vulnerability evaluations. Enhance cybersecurity awareness and strategies to...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 days ago
Infrastructure Security Vulnerability Engineer
$127K - $133K *
Elevate your career by managing vulnerability remediation in cloud environments. Collaborate with technical teams to analyze security risks, prioritize vulnerabilities, and implement effective solutio...
Yesterday
Security-Compliance Program Manager
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Responsible AI Researcher
$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...
4 days ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Member of Technical Staff - Security Research
$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...
3 weeks ago
What does an IT Security Researcher do?
An IT Security Researcher investigates vulnerabilities, attack techniques, and security risks in software, systems, or networks, then helps organizations understand and reduce those risks.
What skills are important for IT Security Researcher jobs?
Commonly valued skills include programming, networking, operating system internals, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, threat research, and technical communication. Specific requirements depend on the role.
What qualifications do employers look for?
Employers may consider relevant cybersecurity experience, a degree or equivalent practical expertise, research projects, and certifications. The most relevant qualifications vary by specialization and employer.
How much do IT Security Researchers earn?
Compensation varies by experience, location, employer, and specialization. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.
Where can I find IT Security Researcher jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Explore IT Security Researcher listings on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.