IT Security Researcher Jobs

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.

What IT Security Researchers Do

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.

Common Skills and Qualifications

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.

Where IT Security Researchers Work

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.

Find IT Security Researcher Roles on Ladders

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.

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1
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$120K - $160K *

Join a team that's committed to enhancing our cybersecurity and GRC programs. You'll drive initiatives across risk management, compliance, and operational security, playing a vital role in strengtheni...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion a proactive security culture while leading a high-performing team. Drive security operations, risk compliance, incident response, and vulnerability management, ensuring alignment with strateg...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Drive the design and enhancement of corporate security infrastructure, improving automation and maintaining strong security posture in a cloud environment. Collaborate with teams to implement controls...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in steering product management excellence, elevating team performance, and driving enterprise strategy to enhance product quality and market success through collaborative stakeholder e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Analyze and evaluate network anomalies in a 24/7 SOC environment. Collaborate with analysts on cyber threats, develop incident reports, and enhance SOC processes. Build test labs for research and prov...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $250K *

Lead and innovate security operations to enhance threat detection, incident response, and exposure management. Drive team growth and establish a robust operating model while collaborating across techn...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Innovate with us as you drive research initiatives, develop ML models, and translate complex algorithms into practical solutions, collaborating across teams to enhance fraud detection and authenticati...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion incident response efforts by leading forensic investigations and threat hunting activities. Collaborate with teams to mitigate cyber risks and enhance client security, ensuring business conti...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Engineer robust security solutions to protect users and partners. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security across infrastructure, applications, and compliance, while writing production code...

New York City, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$231K - $265K *

Unlock potential by executing security operations, identifying threats, and developing automation to enhance incident response and security posture, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $225K *

Innovate security operations by leading ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 initiatives. Drive risk management, incident readiness, and technical assurance while collaborating with engineering and legal teams to...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K *

Help us modernize compliance operations by implementing continuous monitoring and automation for SOC 2, SOX, and PCI audits. Drive risk management and enhance efficiency while supporting a growing tea...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $258K *

Lead the charge in enhancing vulnerability management processes across diverse enterprise products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure effective resolution and communication of securi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$199K - $270K *

Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the security of cutting-edge AI infrastructure, owning the entire security program from design to execution. Collaborate across teams to ensure robust defenses against evolving threats while arc...

San Francisco, CARemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead our vulnerability management and security operations program, shaping it from the ground up. Collaborate with a small Trust team to enhance our security posture and ensure compliance while automa...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by designing secure AI platforms that empower teams to automate workflows seamlessly. Lead security integration into development processes, ensuring robust protection while enabling r...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion vulnerability management by analyzing ACAS results, prioritizing findings, and coordinating remediation efforts across teams to ensure compliance and enhance cybersecurity posture for critica...

Chicago, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform enterprise security by bridging technical and strategic initiatives, ensuring robust cyber defense across hybrid environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance security posture and d...

Reston, VARemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$105K - $149K *

Lead the charge in safeguarding our IT environment by managing security incidents, collaborating across teams, and enhancing our incident response capabilities to ensure compliance and protection agai...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $165K *

Lead penetration testing efforts to enhance security across applications and infrastructure. Collaborate with teams to identify vulnerabilities, validate findings, and promote security awareness, cont...

Austin, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive incident response excellence by coordinating complex IT incidents, fostering cross-team collaboration, and producing clear, executive-ready communications to mitigate mission impact and enhance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $185K *

Unlock business growth by leading technical scoping, managing client relations, and guiding consultants. This hybrid role integrates project management with hands-on consulting to ensure accurate prop...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Advance your career by managing complex cybersecurity incidents, leading response efforts, and developing comprehensive incident reports. Collaborate with teams to enhance security protocols and condu...

Montreal, QCRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in incident management and response, driving effective remediation strategies and assessments. Collaborate with teams to formulate incident response plans, conduct training exercises...

Atlanta, GARemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an IT Security Researcher do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Explore IT Security Researcher listings on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.