ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Vulnerability Researcher Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

All JobsVulnerability Researcher JobsSenior Vulnerability Researcher JobsSenior Vulnerability Researcher Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Senior Vulnerability Researcher information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$27.2K

$73.2K

$131.5K

How much do senior vulnerability researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior vulnerability researcher in Oak Ridge, TN is $73,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior vulnerability researcher do?

A Senior Vulnerability Researcher is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and reporting security vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network systems. They use advanced techniques to discover potential security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. Their work involves reverse engineering, penetration testing, and developing proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate risks. Additionally, they often collaborate with development teams to recommend mitigation strategies and help improve overall security posture.

What are some common challenges faced by senior vulnerability researchers when working on complex systems?

Senior Vulnerability Researchers often encounter challenges such as reverse engineering proprietary software, analyzing obfuscated code, and dealing with a lack of documentation for complex systems. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as software developers and security analysts, is essential to understand system intricacies and coordinate responsible disclosure. Staying updated with the latest attack techniques and adapting to rapidly evolving technology landscapes are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior vulnerability researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Vulnerability Researcher, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity, reverse engineering, exploit development, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, debuggers, and proficiency in programming languages such as C, Python, and assembly are essential, along with relevant certifications like OSCP or CEH. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting complex findings. These competencies are vital for identifying and mitigating security risks, ensuring robust protection of digital assets, and driving advancements in security research.

What is the difference between Senior Vulnerability Researcher vs Security Analyst?

AspectSenior Vulnerability ResearcherSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CISSP, CEH; strong technical backgroundCertifications like Security+, CISSP; focus on monitoring and analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, enterprise organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advanced vulnerability research rolesComparing security roles in cybersecurity teams

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Senior Vulnerability Researcher specializes in identifying and analyzing security flaws through research and testing, often working in labs or R&D environments. In contrast, a Security Analyst monitors security systems, responds to incidents, and maintains overall security posture within organizations. The roles complement each other but differ in focus and daily responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Senior Vulnerability Researcher job openings:

Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Vulnerability Researcher job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,240 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description


The Suissa lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the lab (https://www.botaneelab.com/). This 2-year, full-time position will focus on the hydraulics of seed-free plants, with an emphasis on mechanisms of drought tolerance.
The successful candidate will take a leading role in advancing research on vulnerability to drought-induced embolism and vascular architecture in seed-free plants. This work will integrate physiological and anatomical approaches to address fundamental questions in plant function and evolution. The fellow will be expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, and actively engage with the broader EEB community.
Responsibilities
  • Lead research on vulnerability to embolism in seed-free plants
  • Conduct anatomical analyses on vascular structure.
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Present research at national and international conferences.
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in plant physiology, ecophysiology, evolutionary biology, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • Strong background in physiology, hydraulics, and anatomy.
    • Experience with estimating vulnerability to drought-induced embolism (preferred using the optical vulnerability method).
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Proficient in statistical analyses and data visualization, using R or a related language.
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Work Location
  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • Anticipated hiring range: $62,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.
  • Resume/CV
  • Summary of research interests and experiences

About The Department
EEB is in the top 10% of ecology programs in North America based on research impact (Keville et al., 2017), ahead of peer institutions such as UCLA and UC San Diego. Our faculty and students come from around the globe. Our faculty is a mix of internationally known senior researchers and an energetic group of junior faculty at the cutting edges of their fields. We train graduate and undergraduate students with research interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, conservation biology, behavioral and population genetics, computational biology, development of theory for evolution and ecology, ecosystem and community ecology, global change biology, diverse areas of organismal biology, and biology education.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Apply