Are you a maths graduate looking for an exciting first step in your career? Or are you in a mathematical role and ready for a change? Do you have a passion for maths and love to learn? Are you curious about how your skills could help GCHQ protect the UK? We’ve got a variety of opportunities in our Maths and Cryptography teams, from full-time roles through to two-week insight programmes and internships.
As one of the UK’s Intelligence Services, at GCHQ we unlock the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. What we do is unique and ever-changing – and it’s driven by the amazing work of our Mathematics and Cryptography teams. From evaluating existing theorems, and developing new ones, to using some of Europe’s most powerful computers to contribute to security projects, the work they do is fascinating, rewarding, and impactful. And you could be part of it.
We’re looking for people with mathematical minds to join us. Wherever you’re at in your degree, or whether you currently have experience in a maths related role, there’s an opportunity for you to get involved. And when you join, you’ll get a unique insight into the work we do, becoming part of our mission as you learn unique ways to apply your maths and cryptography skills.
Maths and Cryptography Roles
If you have, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a mathematical discipline, you could join us full-time and apply your mathematical thinking to help solve an incredible range of interesting problems. In a typical day you might: evaluate an existing theorem or develop a new one; use some of Europe’s most powerful computers to deliver world-class input on vital security projects; study or design a new cryptographic protocol; and complete projects which influence some truly key decisions made by government agencies. With expert training and development opportunities, you’ll be working as a specialist in no time, producing innovative and one-of-a-kind work which has meaningful purpose.
We’re now open for applications. So, if you’re curious, why not take a look at the full details?
Discover how your maths skills could count for more and apply now.
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
What we are looking for
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. Candidates must normally have been resident in the UK for seven out of the last ten years. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK. You can apply at the age of 17 years, if successful you will not be offered a start date prior to your 18th birthday.
Additional job details
Location: Cheltenham
Contract: Full-time
How to apply
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 28 October 2024.
We’re the Government Communications Headquarters – GCHQ. We’re a world-leading intelligence, cyber and security agency with a clear purpose – to keep the UK and its citizens safe, at home, overseas, and online. We work against cyber-attacks, terrorism and serious crime.
What are our opportunities?
We offer graduate roles and internships, as well as apprenticeships in software engineering and cyber security. With training and development opportunities for every role, you’ll always be developing new skills while protecting your country.
As a graduate, you can join us in areas including language, analysis, mathematics and cryptography, and project management. We run regular campaigns for technology and engineering roles, including software engineers and cyber operations, as well as many others.
What makes GCHQ different?
Here at GCHQ, you’ll have a unique career with endless possibilities. We work in a collaborative atmosphere, which helps us solve unusual problems in creative ways. In fact, your ideas will push boundaries and keep us a step ahead of ever-evolving threats.
What are we looking for?
In short, ingenuity, attention to detail and a gift for communication and solving problems. However, beyond that, we don’t recruit a particular ‘type’ of person.
Our unique work relies on people with unique perspectives, so we welcome applications from everyone – regardless of age, experience, cultural background or sexual orientation. We’re also a Disability Confident employer, which means we’re committed to ensuring a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants - who meet the minimum criteria for a role - will be offered an interview.
Join us, and you’ll find there’s huge scope to develop both personally and professionally. Many of our roles are totally unique and, from day one, you’ll have access to specific training to bring you up to speed. As an established Investor in People (IIP), we not only offer extensive learning and development for your role, but also encourage you to explore new opportunities, supported by appropriate training. That means you can build a long, rewarding and varied career.
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