Application Security Test Engineer

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything by anyone anywhere.

The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster information rich accessible and affordable molecular analysis.

The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins.

The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer plants animals bacteria viruses and whole environments.

With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.

Oxford Nanopore has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster information-rich accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer plants animals bacteria viruses and whole environments. By enabling biological insights we strive to improve life on Earth and beyond.

The role:

We are seeking an Application Security Test Engineer to join our Instrument Software Test this role you will help ensure the security and quality of ONTs desktop and platform software which runs across Linux Windows and macOS and plays a critical role in controlling sequencing instruments and processing complex scientific data.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with practical experience in software or application security testing who is keen to deepen their expertise in a technically challenging real-world environment. You will work closely with developers product owners and fellow testers to identify security risks validate mitigations and continuously improve how we test for security across the software development this role you wont be expected to define company-wide security policy but you will be expected to independently drive security testing activities within your area apply good security judgement and continuously improve how we test for security issues.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform application security testing of desktop applications background services and supporting tooling
• Test across Linux Windows and macOS including installers configuration permissions logging secrets handling and update mechanisms
• Identify vulnerabilities through exploratory testing dynamic analysis misuse scenarios and security tooling
• Design and maintain security-focused test cases based on requirements architecture and risk
• Produce clear high-quality vulnerability and defect reports and work with developers to validate fixes and prevent regressions
• Use and contribute to security testing tools scripts and automated checks where appropriate
• Collaborate within Agile cross-functional teams to ensure security considerations are embedded throughout development
• Prioritise testing activities based on risk impact and delivery timelines while considering end-user experience

Were keen to hear from candidates who have relevant experience even if they dont tick every box.

You might be a good fit if you have:

• Experience in software security testing application security or software testing with a strong security focus
• Hands-on experience testing desktop or platform software on Linux and/or macOS (Windows experience is beneficial)
• Understanding of common security vulnerability types and risk-based testing approaches
• Experience using security testing tools such as intercepting proxies vulnerability scanners or dependency analysis tools
• Familiarity with at least one programming language such as Python JavaScript Ruby or similar
• Ability to write scripts or small tools to support testing

Nice to have:

• Familiarity with containerised or data-intensive software environments
• Experience testing desktop or hardware-adjacent software
• Exposure to automated testing CI pipelines or security tooling
• Experience testing software that interacts with hardware or processes large volumes of data
• Familiarity with modern build or development toolchains

As liaising with a variety of different collaborators is a regular part of this role were looking for someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills and an approachable manner that encourages interaction with others. Youre also someone with a good eye for detail and excellent organisational abilities that enable you to work towards and achieve tight deadlines.

This role will suit someone who works well under pressure and who wants the challenge of being part of a fast-paced high-tech organisation. You will sometimes need to work with the team at our Oxford offices therefore you must be able to commute to our HQ based in Oxford.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus generous pension contributions private healthcare and an excellent starting salary.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind then consider joining our team and apply today!

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a persons gender marital status race religion colour age disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

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