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A maths career that counts for more
We’re GCHQ, and we unlock the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. Our work is unique and ever-changing – and it’s informed by our talented Mathematics and Cryptography teams. Now, you have the opportunity to join them and 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 working as a specialist in no time, producing innovative and one-of-a-kind work which has meaningful purpose. On your journey to becoming a specialist, we won't limit your potential. From algebra and probability to number theory, statistics, and optimisation, you’ll use your knowledge to work across areas such as cryptography, cryptanalysis, cyber security and machine learning. In doing all this, you'll work with some of Europe’s most powerful computers to do meaningful work, that you simply won't find anywhere else.
To qualify, you’ll be someone who’s curious, loves solving problems and is comfortable adapting to new circumstances. You’ll also have a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in maths, computer science or a similar subject with substantial mathematical content.
When you join us, you'll enjoy benefits like 25 days’ annual leave, an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays, 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 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 role really could be just the beginning of your career with GCHQ.
The full application window for our Maths and Cryptography Roles opportunities will open on 30th October 2023. In the meantime, we encourage all those from an ethnic minority background and women from any ethnic background* to register their interest in this upcoming opportunity.
*Please note that we are confining registrations of interest to the above groups only, due to their current under-representation in our workforce.
A registration of interest does not constitute a job application, nor will such registration have any bearing upon the recruitment process itself.
Any individuals who register their interest and who decide subsequently to apply for Maths and Cryptography Roles opportunities will need to complete an application form once the window for applications has opened.
Once the application window has opened, we will welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of their ethnic background, gender, disability and/or any other characteristic(s). All applications will be assessed solely on merit.
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.
