Application Security Engineer

Lancaster University is extending an exciting invitation to a talented and driven Application Security Engineer to join their esteemed IT Security Team within Information Systems Services. This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a significant impact on strategic and operational technology initiatives that underpin the University's core functions: teaching, research, the student experience, and efficient operational management.

In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in fortifying the security of the diverse applications and integrations utilized across the University. Your primary focus will be on embedding robust security practices throughout the entire software development lifecycle – from design and build to ongoing operation. You will collaborate closely with development, platform, and delivery teams, leveraging your real-world experience to foster pragmatic, proportionate, and sustainable security improvements. This role requires a proactive and analytical mindset to identify and mitigate security risks across both established production services and newly developed solutions.

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities:

• Shape Application Security Standards: Define, maintain, and champion application security standards, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across the University's technology landscape.
• Drive Secure Design & Architecture: Provide expert advice and guidance on secure design principles and architectural patterns, enabling teams to build security in from the ground up.
• Optimize Security Tooling: Support the effective implementation and utilization of security tooling and processes, enhancing the overall security posture.
• Diverse Application Landscape: Engage with a broad spectrum of applications including web and mobile applications, APIs, and microservices, applying DevSecOps principles to ensure continuous security integration.
• Cloud Security Enablement: Play a crucial role in the University's cloud enablement program, ensuring cloud-based architectures, services, and deployments are secure by design, while balancing security, usability, and delivery needs.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

This role presents a compelling opportunity for career growth and professional development. You will benefit from:

• Tangible Impact: The chance to directly influence and enhance the security posture of a leading academic institution, contributing to a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborative Environment: Working within a supportive and forward-thinking technology team that values innovation and collective success.
• Continuous Learning: Exposure to a diverse and evolving technological environment, including cloud technologies, which will foster continuous learning and skill development.
• Strategic Influence: The opportunity to advise and influence technical teams and stakeholders across the organization, honing your communication and leadership skills.
• Work-Life Balance: A commitment to a positive work-life balance, with flexible hybrid working options available, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week on the picturesque Lancaster University Bailrigg campus.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess:

• Pragmatic & Experience-Led Approach: A preference for practical, real-world solutions over purely theoretical ones.
• Adaptability: Comfort in complex and evolving environments, with the ability to constructively challenge existing norms.
• Strong Communication Skills: The ability to clearly articulate technical concepts and influence stakeholders at various levels.
• Sound Judgement: The capacity to make informed decisions and guide teams towards improved security practices.
• Understanding of DevSecOps: A solid grasp of integrating security into DevOps workflows.

This position offers a competitive salary range of £48,822 to £59,966 (Full time, indefinite), reflecting the importance and responsibility of this role. If you are a proactive and security-conscious professional seeking to make a lasting contribution in a dynamic academic setting, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.