Lead Researcher Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

What is the opportunity?

RBC is seeking a Staff AI Security Researcher (Global Security) to lead threat research and vulnerability assessment in AI/ML security, a critical and rapidly evolving domain for financial services. This individual contributor role will identify emerging AI-specific threats, develop and validate defense mechanisms, and help establish RBC's position as a trusted voice in enterprise AI security. You will work across business units, security teams, and third-party vendors to translate cutting-edge research into practical, scalable mitigations for RBC's AI technology stack.

What will you do?

Threat Research & Analysis

• Monitor, analyze, and assess emerging AI security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors relevant to RBC's environment and the broader financial services sector
• Research AI-specific attack vectors including prompt injection, jailbreaking, model poisoning, data poisoning, model theft, supply-chain attacks, and adversarial evasion techniques
• Assess risks from AI-enabled threats such as social engineering, synthetic media (deepfakes), and automated attack systems targeting RBC's infrastructure, data, and customers
• Conduct threat landscape assessments specific to RBC's AI technology stack, competitive position, and risk appetite

Validation & Security Assessment

• Execute hands-on testing of critical AI applications, including prompt injection, jailbreaking, and adversarial attack simulations to validate security posture
• Design and implement consistent, scalable assessment frameworks and methodologies to standardize AI security evaluations across RBC's critical applications
• Develop proof-of-concept exploits and validation controls to demonstrate attack feasibility and test mitigation effectiveness
• Collaborate with AI/ML/DevOps teams, AI security engineers, and third-party vendors to design practical defense strategies and controls

Communication & Influence

• Produce high-impact technical outputs including deep-dive threat analyses, research reports, and whitepapers for internal and external audiences
• Partner with third-party AI security technology providers to influence product roadmaps and industry standards
• Stay current with evolving AI security threats, defensive capabilities, and industry best practices
• Contribute to RBC's AI Security research strategy and roadmap

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have:

• 5+ years of experience in security research and vulnerability research.
• 2+ years of experience researching AI/ML security threats, attack vectors, or related domains.
• Strong coding experience in one or more general-purpose languages: Python, Go, Java, or similar.
• Understanding of AI/ML systems, architectures, and operational patterns.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and technical writing skills.
• Proven ability to influence technical strategy and security decision-making.

Preferred:

• Published research, conference presentations, or open-source contributions in AI security.
• Experience with large language models and generative AI applications.
• Experience collaborating with vendors and external security researchers.

What's in it for you?
We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses and flexible benefits
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• Access to a variety of job opportunities across business and geographies

#LI-POST
#TechPJ

Job Skills

Additional Job Details

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.