Applied Research Lead - Network & Security, Vice President

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Family: Applied Research

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to secure and optimize our global operations. As an Applied Research Lead - Network & Security, Vice President, in our Applied Research team, you will spearhead initiatives that apply advanced network and cryptography technologies to solve real-world security challenges in the banking sector. Based in New York, NY, this role involves leading a team of researchers to develop robust solutions that protect sensitive financial data, ensure seamless transaction processing, and mitigate emerging cyber threats in a highly regulated environment. Your work will directly contribute to safeguarding trillions in assets and maintaining client trust in an era of evolving digital risks. In this leadership position, you will drive research agendas focused on cryptographic enhancements for secure communications, network resilience against sophisticated attacks, and integration of quantum-resistant algorithms to future-proof our infrastructure. Collaborating with cross-functional teams including cybersecurity engineers, compliance experts, and product managers, you will translate theoretical research into practical implementations that align with JP Morgan Chase's stringent regulatory standards, such as those from the SEC and FINRA. You will also foster partnerships with academia and industry leaders to stay ahead of threats like ransomware and state-sponsored intrusions, ensuring our financial systems remain impenetrable. We seek a visionary leader passionate about innovation in financial security, with the ability to mentor talent and influence strategic decisions at the executive level. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a dynamic culture that values diversity, ethical research, and work-life balance, all while offering unparalleled opportunities to impact the global economy. If you thrive in a collaborative, high-impact setting and are committed to advancing secure financial technologies, this role provides the platform to lead transformative change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of applied researchers in developing innovative network and security solutions tailored to JP Morgan Chase's global financial operations
• Apply cryptographic technologies to enhance secure data transmission and protect against cyber threats in banking systems
• Conduct research on emerging network threats, such as quantum computing risks to encryption, and propose mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with engineering and compliance teams to integrate research outcomes into production environments
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, fostering a culture of innovation within the Applied Research group
• Evaluate and prototype new security protocols to ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards
• Publish internal whitepapers and present findings to senior leadership to influence strategic security decisions
• Monitor global cybersecurity trends and adapt research agendas to address risks in high-volume transaction processing
• Partner with external academic institutions and industry consortia to advance JP Morgan Chase's security research initiatives
• Oversee the ethical application of research, ensuring alignment with JP Morgan's commitment to responsible innovation

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cryptography, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in network security, cryptography, or applied research in cybersecurity
• Proven track record of leading research teams to develop and implement security solutions in high-stakes environments
• Deep expertise in cryptographic protocols, network architectures, and secure communication systems
• Experience with regulatory compliance in financial services, such as PCI-DSS, GDPR, and SEC requirements
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or conferences on network security topics
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances for handling sensitive financial data

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Cryptography or Network Security with a focus on financial applications
• Prior experience at a major financial institution, such as leading security projects at a bank or fintech firm
• Familiarity with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies for secure transactions
• Experience mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with cross-functional teams in a corporate setting
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in threat detection and anomaly analysis for networks

Required Skills

• Expertise in cryptographic algorithms (e.g., AES, RSA, ECC)
• Proficiency in network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, SSL/TLS, VPNs)
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Java for security implementations
• Knowledge of secure software development lifecycle (SDLC) practices
• Experience with threat modeling and vulnerability assessment tools
• Familiarity with cloud security architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure)
• Analytical problem-solving for complex security challenges
• Leadership and team management in research environments
• Excellent communication skills for technical presentations and reports
• Understanding of financial data privacy regulations
• Proficiency in simulation and modeling tools for network security
• Adaptability to fast-paced, high-pressure financial industry demands
• Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies
• Project management for research initiatives

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• On-site fitness centers, wellness programs, and mental health support
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles in New York, NY

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.