Security Research Lead

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Security Research Lead based in Portugal.

As a Security Research Lead, you will play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions by leading research that directly influences AI-powered products and threat intelligence capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to build and scale a security research function within a fast-growing, remote-first environment where innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration are at the core. You'll work closely with engineering, AI/ML, and product teams to transform advanced vulnerability research into practical product capabilities while helping establish a strong technical presence within the global security community. This role offers the chance to combine hands-on research, technical leadership, and strategic influence to shape the future of cloud and application security.

• Lead the security research function by defining methodologies, standards, and best practices for identifying, validating, and prioritizing cloud and application security threats.
• Conduct advanced vulnerability research, investigating exploitation techniques, attack vectors, and emerging threats to improve product capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, AI/ML, and product teams to translate research findings into product features that enhance threat detection, prioritization, and remediation.
• Develop technical intelligence by producing in-depth security research supported by CVEs, advisories, threat intelligence, and real-world vulnerability analysis.
• Shape how AI models understand and prioritize security risks by contributing research insights, classifications, and validation processes.
• Publish high-quality technical content, including research papers, blog posts, conference presentations, podcasts, and other thought leadership initiatives to strengthen industry credibility.
• Establish quality assurance processes for vulnerability research and continuously improve research frameworks.
• Mentor and develop researchers while fostering a collaborative, high-performing research culture capable of scaling with business growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in security research with a proven track record of vulnerability discovery, proof-of-concept development, and threat validation.
• Deep expertise in cloud security, particularly AWS environments, as well as application security vulnerabilities and exploitation techniques.
• Experience translating security research into tangible product improvements through close collaboration with engineering, product, and AI/ML teams.
• Strong programming or scripting skills using Python, Go, or similar languages to automate research, build tooling, and develop proof-of-concepts.
• Demonstrated experience publishing technical research, speaking at conferences, or contributing to the broader cybersecurity community.
• Previous experience within a cybersecurity vendor, security research organization, or security tooling company.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both internal stakeholders and external technical audiences.
• Experience leading or mentoring research teams and driving technical standards in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Comfortable operating in startup environments with high autonomy, adaptability, and ownership.
• Experience with AI security, open-source security projects, security research operations, or certifications such as OSCP, CISSP, or AWS Security are considered strong advantages.

Benefits

• Fully remote position with the flexibility to work across Europe.
• Opportunity to build and lead a growing security research function from an early stage.
• Significant ownership and influence over product strategy and technical direction.
• Competitive salary and equity participation.
• Work alongside experienced leaders with backgrounds in high-growth technology companies.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI, cloud security, and cybersecurity innovation.
• Strong opportunities for career progression into senior security leadership roles.
• Collaborative, remote-first culture focused on technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to build a recognized public research profile through company-supported publications, conferences, and industry engagement.