About Us
Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI-driven platform and expert-led services. Sophos meets organizations wherever they are in their security maturity and grows with them to defeat cyberattacks. Its solutions combine machine learning, automation, and real-time threat intelligence with frontline human expertise from Sophos X-Ops to deliver advanced, 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response.
Sophos offers industry-leading managed detection and response (MDR) alongside a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity technologies — including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next-gen SIEM. Together with expert advisory services, these capabilities help organizations proactively reduce risk and respond faster, with the visibility and scalability needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Sophos goes to market with a global partner ecosystem, including Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), resellers and distributors, marketplace integrations, and cyber risk partners, giving organizations the flexibility to choose trusted relationships when securing their business. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at
www.sophos.com.
Role Summary
The Security Automation Researcher will be responsible for identifying, defining and implementing valuable automation opportunities for Sophos MDR team. By researching workflows, analyzing operational data, and collaborating with key stakeholders, this role consolidates requirements and implements, tests, and maintains new security automation workflows, ensuring they are robust, secure, and delivers measurable efficiency improvements. Leveraging proprietary and open-source tools and technologies, the MDR Security Automation Researcher will deliver against unique and broad challenges facing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Sophos MDR Team.
What You Will Do
- Investigate diverse workflows, tools, and processes across internal and external sources.
- Collaborate with subject-matter experts (e.g., SOC analysts, incident responders) to capture detailed process steps to identify gaps and bottlenecks in existing operations that can benefit from automation.
- Use scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Bash, CEL) to develop secure, scalable solutions.
- Integrate newly developed automated workflows with existing security tools (XDR, SIEM, AV, endpoint detection, etc.).
- Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliable, stable deployment in production environments.
- Continuously monitor and maintain implemented automation solutions, ensuring performance, reliability, and security.
- Document technical specifications, deployment procedures, and operational guidelines for each automated workflow
- Work with cross-functional teams (Security Operations, DevOps, IT) to ensure smooth coordination, prompt development, and stable release cycles.
- Host knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops to communicate new automation concepts and outcomes.
What You Will Bring
- Proven experience as a Cybersecurity Analyst working in a security operations center (Security analysis or incident response or threat hunting).
- Preferred experience supporting global security operations or coordinating across MSSPs and internal teams, with focus on designing, documenting, or optimizing technical cyber security workflows.
- Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, Bash) and familiarity with API integrations for workflow automation.
- Ability to convert documented requirements into actionable coding tasks in both independent and collaborative environments.
- Preferred to have knowledge of BI/data cyber analytics tools (e.g., SQL, Power BI, KQL) or machine learning concepts applied to detection.
- Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK, threat intelligence platforms, or IOC integration.
- Must thrive within a team environment as well as on an individual basis.
- Natural curiosity and ability to learn new skills quickly.
- Preferred certifications from GIAC, EC-Council, ISC2, CompTIA, Offensive Security or vendor-specific certs (e.g., Azure Security, AWS Security, CrowdStrike CFR, etc.).
A Plus if You Have
- Experience using Jupyter Notebooks and its common python data analytics libraries (e.g. Pandas).
- Strong understanding of Windows event log analysis.
- Experience administering and supporting Windows OS (both workstations and server) and one of the following: Apple or Linux-based operating systems.
- DevOps experience with AWS and Kubernetes environments.
Ready to Join Us?
At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don't check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don't let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply.
What's Great About Sophos?
· Sophos operates a remote-first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach. While we are a remote first organization, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the jurisdiction where the position is posted, without requiring employer sponsorship.
· Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit
· Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy
· Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities
· Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint
· Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp
· Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge
· Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing
Our Commitment To You
We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity. We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team. All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief, color, age, military veteran status, disability, pregnancy, maternity or sexual orientation. We want to give you every opportunity to show us your best self, so if there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.
Data Protection
If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos. If you would like Sophos to delete or update your details at any time, please follow the steps set out in the Privacy Policy describing your individual rights. For more information on Sophos’ data protection practices, please consult our Privacy Policy
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