Entry Level Vulnerability Research Jobs in Chicago, IL

Department

BSD CTD - Security

About the Department

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) at the University of Chicago is a research center whose mission is to develop the discipline of translational data science to impactful problems in biology, medicine, healthcare, and the environment. We envision a world in which researchers have ready access to the data needed and the tools required to make data driven discoveries that increase our scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life. We architect ecosystems of large-scale commons of research data, computing resources, applications, tools, and services for the broader research community to use data at scale to pursue scientific inquiry and accelerate discovery. Learn more at https://gdc.cancer.gov/ https://gen3.org/ https://stats.gen3.org/ and https://ctds.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

The Center for Translational Data Science (CTDS) is seeking a highly motivated Junior Security Analyst who is passionate about information security. In this hands-on, entry-level role, you will support the protection of multi-petabyte scale data on platforms like GDC and Gen3 data commons while actively collaborating with cross-functional teams. Your
eagerness to learn is just as important as your current skill set. We are committed to mentorship, fostering your growth as a well-rounded practitioner who moves beyond administrative tasks to provide meaningful security support, stays up to date on emerging threats, and advocates for the improvement of CTDS's products and services. If you are ready to soak up knowledge and make a tangible impact on the security of critical data science initiatives, we want to hear from you.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day security operations and triage incoming security tickets.

• Support the vulnerability management lifecycle to help identify, track, and remediate risks.

• Assist the team with basic incident response, monitoring, log analysis and reporting.

• Write and maintain basic Python scripts to help automate routine security tasks.

• Contribute to ongoing security projects, such as our transition to a zero-trust network access model.

• Provide necessary support for pulling supporting Governmental reporting paperwork and compliance documentation.

• Under close supervision, performs basic technical support procedures to ensure the safety of information systems. Identifies potential hardware and software deficiencies on systems such as web servers, mail servers, routers, firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

• Learns fundamental security penetration tests to identify system vulnerability against malicious code, system exploitation using SQL injection, cross-site scripting, buffer overflows, parameter tampering, hidden field manipulation, cookie poisoning, and web services manipulation.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in progress within cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Foundational understanding of basic security principles and IT operations.

• Familiarity with Python and a genuine interest in improving your scripting abilities.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong willingness to learn, ask questions, and adapt to new challenges.

• Ability to respond to changing priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic demand-based environment, requiring extreme flexibility and responsiveness.

• Ability to build trust and work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Ability to present information in a consistent and concise manner.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to foster collaborative working relationships.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid office/remote.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Information Technology

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$24.04 - $31.25

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.