- Cheltenham
- £32,092 – £39,166 dependent on skills and experience. Plus a recruitment bonus of £4,420.
A maths career that counts for more
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. In this exciting role, you’ll use your mathematical thinking to solve varied, complex and vital problems – and find solutions that help protect the UK.
With expert training and development opportunities, you’ll be doing innovative, one-of-a-kind work that’s packed with purpose. From algebra and probability to number theory, statistics and optimisation, you’ll use your knowledge to work across areas like cryptography, cryptanalysis, cyber security and machine learning. All while using some of Europe’s most powerful computers to do meaningful work that you won’t find anywhere else.
With a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in maths, computer science or a similar subject with substantial mathematical content, you’ll bring your maths background, a love of solving problems and plenty of curiosity to the role. You’ll be passionate about technology, comfortable adapting to new circumstances and you may have some programming experience, but that’s not essential.
In return, you’ll enjoy benefits like 25 days’ annual leave, and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays. Once you complete your first year and depending on your progress and development in the role, you’ll also benefit from a Specialist Skills Payment starting from £4,420. In addition, there are flexible working opportunities (subject to business need), an excellent pension scheme, on-site subsidised facilities such as a gym, restaurant and cafes and much more.
Best of all, because of who we are and what we do, we’re always developing our methods to keep them cutting-edge. Which means your learning and growth won’t ever stop. We’ll give you all the training you need to become a fully-fledged maths and cryptography specialist, and support you in your future career goals too. This unique role could be just the beginning of your career with GCHQ.
To find out more and apply, visit our website
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.
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.
