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Senior Threat Researcher – Behavioral Protection

Role overview

Qualifications

  • Hands-on Windows-based malware analysis experience using static and dynamic tools (e.g., IDA Pro, WinDbg).
  • Deep understanding of behavioral techniques, memory injection methods, persistence mechanisms, and evasion tactics.
  • Programming experience (Python and/or Lua) with the ability to write robust behavioral protection rules.
  • Experience in fast-paced threat research or security operations environments, with strong communication and mentoring skills; proactive incident/zero-day leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze malware behaviors aligned with MITRE ATT&CK TTPs across the full attack lifecycle, focusing on in-memory techniques, fileless malware, and evasive behaviors.
  • Research and identify behavioral techniques used by novel APTs and translate insights into effective behavioral protection rules to enhance prevention.
  • Drive protection coverage for zero-day malware and novel attack techniques; collaborate with the team to define protection priorities and deliver updates to customers in a timely manner.
  • Produce quality threat analysis reports for internal and external audiences.

About the company

Sophos logo

Sophos

Cybersecurity

Sophos is a worldwide leader and innovator of advanced cybersecurity solutions, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and incident response services and a broad portfolio of endpoint, network, email, and cloud security technologies that help organizations defeat cyberattacks. As one of the largest pure-play cybersecurity providers, Sophos defends more than 500,000 organizations and more than 100 million users globally from active adversaries, ransomware, phishing, malware, and more. Sophos’ services and products connect through its cloud-based Sophos Central management console and are powered by Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. Sophos X-Ops intelligence optimizes the entire Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem, which includes a centralized data lake that leverages a rich set of open APIs available to customers, partners, developers, and other cybersecurity and information technology vendors. Sophos provides cybersecurity-as-a-service to organizations needing fully-managed, turnkey security solutions. Customers can also manage their cybersecurity directly with Sophos’ security operations platform or use a hybrid approach by supplementing their in-house teams with Sophos’ services, including threat hunting and remediation. Sophos sells through reseller partners and managed service providers (MSPs) worldwide. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com

Company details

Company typeLarge
IndustryCybersecurity
Company size1001 - 5000

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Job description

About Us
Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks. The company acquired Secureworks in February 2025, bringing together two pioneers that have redefined the cybersecurity industry with their innovative, native AI-optimized services, technologies and products. Sophos is now the largest pure-play Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, supporting more than 28,000 organizations. In addition to MDR and other services, Sophos’ complete portfolio includes industry-leading endpoint, network, email, and cloud security that interoperate and adapt to defend through the Sophos Central platform. Secureworks provides the innovative, market-leading Taegis XDR/MDR, identity threat detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM capabilities, managed risk, and a comprehensive set of advisory services. Sophos sells all these solutions through reseller partners, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) worldwide, defending more than 600,000 organizations worldwide from phishing, ransomware, data theft, other every day and state-sponsored cybercrimes. The solutions are powered by historical and real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops and the newly added Counter Threat Unit (CTU). Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com.

Role Summary 
 
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Threat Researcher with deep expertise in Windows based threat behaviors, particularly having a strong understanding on memory-resident threats. In this role, you will be at the forefront of detecting and understanding emerging attack techniques, developing behavioral-based protection strategies, and enhancing our real-time protection capabilities. Your insights and contributions will directly impact on the security posture of millions of users worldwide. 

What You Will Do
  • Analyze malware behaviors aligned with MITRE ATT&CK TTPs (and beyond), covering the full attack lifecycle, including initial access vectors, execution techniques, payload delivery—with a strong focus on in-memory techniques, fileless malware, and evasive behaviors. 

  • Research and identify behavioral techniques employed by novel and sophisticated Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and translate these insights into effective behavioral protection rules to enhance prevention capabilities. 

  • Drive protection coverage for zero-day malware and novel attack techniques. 

  • Work independently with minimal supervision while managing priority protection tasks. 

  • Review and provide actionable feedback on detection logic and code developed by fellow researchers. 

  • Collaborate with the team to define clear protection priorities and deliver updates to customers in a timely manner. 

  • Produce quality threat analysis reports for both internal and external audience 


What You Will Bring
  • Proven hands-on experience in Windows based malware analysis using both static and dynamic analysis tools such as using IDAPro and Windbg. 

  • Deep understanding of behavioral techniques, memory injection methods, persistence mechanisms, and evasion tactics. 

  • Ability to write robust, high-quality behavioral protection rules. 

  • Demonstrated programming experience, preferably Python, Lua. 

  • Experience working in a fast-paced threat research or security operations environment. 

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to provide technical mentorship to peers. 

  • Proactive, self-driven mindset with the ability to lead in critical incident or zero-day response scenarios. 

In Canada, the base salary for this role ranges from $129,000 to $215,000.  In addition to base salary, we offer additional  compensation including bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package.  A candidate’s specific pay within this range will depend on a variety of factors, including job-related skills, training, location, experience, relevant education, certifications, and other business and organizational needs.  
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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 Cybersecurity as a Service Delivered | Sophos

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