Freelance (Contract) Security Advisor - DV or eDV Cleared

Location: Hybrid
Position: Freelance/Contract, 6+ months
Clearance: Active DV or eDV
Posted by: PRG Bristol

About the Role

PRG is partnering with a Government Research Services client to recruit an exceptional DV or eDV cleared Security Advisor for a freelance role within a high-priority cyber security programme. You will lead efforts to achieve cyber security classifications and certifications (e.g., NCSC, ISO27001, NIS2) to secure additional government funding, with a focus on high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Leveraging your scientific background and expertise in central government processes, you'll strengthen the client's cyber posture, ensuring compliance and enabling access to R&D funding streams. This is a critical opportunity to protect cutting-edge research systems and drive strategic cyber security outcomes for national priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of cyber security strategies to achieve NCSC classifications, ISO27001, NIS2, and other certifications for government funding eligibility.
• Conduct security assessments and audits of HPC systems, ensuring compliance with HMG Security Policy Framework and NCSC guidelines.
• Design and implement zero-trust security models, encryption, and access controls for classified HPC clusters and research platforms.
• Collaborate with scientific research teams, government stakeholders, and vendors to integrate cyber security into HPC architectures.
• Prepare compliance documentation, risk assessments, and certification submissions to unlock funding from the Government.
• Apply scientific expertise to secure HPC applications in research areas like physics, AI, quantum computing, or data modelling.
• Deliver briefings and training on cyber security best practices to technical and leadership teams within research programmes.
• Monitor emerging cyber threats to HPC systems, leveraging NCSC and UKIC intelligence to enhance resilience.
• Ensure adherence to central government processes (e.g., Cabinet Office protocols, GPG standards) for secure data and system handling.

What We're Looking For

• Active DV or eDV (essential; must be current and verifiable).
• 7+ years in cyber security advisory or related roles, with 3+ years in government, research, or regulated environments.
• Proven experience achieving cyber security certifications (e.g., NCSC Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO27001, NIS2) in regulated settings.
• Strong knowledge of central government processes (e.g., HMG Security Policy Framework, Cabinet Office vetting, GPG compliance).
• Scientific background (e.g., degree in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field) with experience in research or technical projects.
• Deep expertise in high-performance computing (HPC) security, including cluster management, secure architectures, and research applications.
• Proficiency in security tools and frameworks (e.g., IAM, encryption, SIEM, zero-trust principles).
• Professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP, ISO27001 Lead Auditor, or HPC-specific like CompTIA Security+) highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience advising technical teams and senior government stakeholders on compliance and funding.
• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field (Master's or PhD preferred).
• Uncompromising integrity and discretion in handling sensitive research data and systems.

Why Join This Project?

• Drive cyber security certifications to secure government funding for cutting-edge HPC research, enhancing national research capabilities.
• Partner with PRG Bristol, a trusted specialist in cleared talent, for a seamless recruitment process.
• Contribute to high-impact research projects with a lasting impact on UK scientific and cyber security excellence.

Next Steps

If interested, please send your most recent CV to

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