Role: Maths and Cryptography Opportunities with GCHQ
Location: Cheltenham
Salary: Dependent on programme
Make your maths skills count for more.
Are you a maths student or 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.
What opportunities are there?
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. You could also be working in a maths-based role at present and are looking for a change in career – but you’ll still need to meet our academic requirements. 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.
Maths and Cryptography Insights Programme
People from an ethnic minority background and people who identify as women are currently under-represented in our teams. That’s why we offer this two-week Insights programme to undergraduates who are from those backgrounds. If you’re in your first year or above of a Maths degree and have an ‘A’ in A-level Maths (or equivalent), join us for two weeks and gain a unique insight into how we use maths and cryptography to keep the UK safe.
Maths and Cryptography Internship
If you’re a current undergraduate studying for your degree (Bachelors, Integrated Masters or equivalent) in Maths, or a Joint Honours subject with Maths as the main component, you could join us on this nine-week summer internship. You’ll get involved in real operational projects, working alongside, and learning from, technical experts. You’ll complete research on multiple technical projects, grow your skills and confidence, and get an idea of what a role with us could look like once you graduate.
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. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
*Dependent on role specific eligibility requirements.
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. Full eligibility details can be found on our website.
