Senior Security Engineer

Job Description

About the Role

Do you have a passion for cybersecurity and securing digital identities? The Senior Security Engineer role at the University of Reading offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of the University’s cyber defense operations.

As a key member of the Digital Technology Services (DTS) team, you will play a critical role in protecting the University’s IT infrastructure by implementing, managing, and optimizing security measures. You will monitor security systems, investigate threats, and enhance detection and response capabilities — with a particular focus on Microsoft 365, identity management, and enterprise security tools.

This is a hands-on, technical role ideal for someone with strong expertise in cybersecurity, who enjoys collaboration, problem-solving, and working with cutting-edge technologies to improve overall security posture.

Key Responsibilities

Deploy, configure, and optimise security tools and systems

Monitor security alerts, analyse incidents, and carry out threat hunting

Support secure integration of new systems and services

Develop automation tools to enhance threat detection and response

Contribute to hardening of services and platforms, particularly within Microsoft 365 and Entra environments

Provide technical guidance and collaborate with colleagues across DTS and the wider University

Help ensure compliance with cybersecurity best practices and frameworks

About the Team

You will join the Security Operations (SecOps) team within DTS, which is responsible for:

Microsoft 365 (M365): Managing Entra and M365 services, including university-wide email systems

Identity Services: Overseeing account lifecycle management and secure, automated access provisioning

Cybersecurity: Operating security tools and advising on security strategy and incident response

The team also manages key infrastructure services such as DNS and digital certificates.

About You

You should have:

Demonstrated experience managing a range of cybersecurity tools and services

Strong working knowledge of identity and access management systems (particularly Entra/Microsoft 365)

Familiarity with recognised security frameworks and best practices

Experience in threat detection, incident response, and threat hunting

Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non-specialist audiences

Additional Information

Why Join Us?

The University of Reading is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are proud to support:

The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality

The Race Equality Charter

LGBTQ+ inclusion

Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

We actively welcome applications for part-time, job-share, and flexible working arrangements where possible.