​This is a high-level Senior Individual Contributor role within F5 Labs, the threat intelligence and thought leadership division of F5. This position is unique as it blends traditional threat research (web, API, bot, and DDoS) with a heavy focus on the security implications of Artificial Intelligence. You will be responsible for investigating how attackers use AI, how they target AI systems, and how F5 can leverage AI for defense.

• ​Location: Remote (locations listed include NY, VA, MA, and Toronto, Canada).
• ​Annual Base Pay: $156,800.00 – $235,200.00.
• ​Experience Required: ~10 years in cybersecurity or a closely related field.
• ​Focus: Adversarial ML/AI, LLM-powered applications, web/API threats, and public-facing thought leadership (blogs, podcasts, presentations).
• ​Technical Skillset: Expert Python/Jupyter skills, LLM API prototyping, and deep knowledge of web protocols (HTTP, REST, OAuth).

​Primary Responsibilities: Investigation, Prototyping, and Evangelism

​The role requires a “Full-Stack Researcher” who can find a signal in the noise, build a tool to prove the risk, and write a compelling story about it.

• ​AI Threat Analysis: Investigate and document adversarial ML/AI techniques, such as data poisoning, prompt injection, and model theft.
• ​Tool Building: Create LLM-based applications, prototypes, or datasets using frameworks like Model Context Protocol (MCP) and LangChain to demonstrate AI’s role in security.
• ​Adversarial Research: Analyze malicious traffic and attacker behavior, occasionally probing attacker infrastructure or managing honeypots.
• ​Thought Leadership: Translate complex technical findings into high-impact articles, reports, and visuals for F5 Labs.
• ​Public Representation: Represent F5 via webinars, podcasts, media interviews, and industry conferences (e.g., Black Hat, DEF CON, RSAC).

​Core Skills and Qualifications

​F5 is looking for a self-starter who can own a research project from the initial hypothesis to a viral blog post.

• ​Technical Breadth: Strong grasp of web, cloud, and API protocols (HTTP/S, REST, OAuth, DNS, TLS).
• ​Data Science for Security: Proficiency in Python and Jupyter notebooks; experience with SQL or BigQuery is a plus for analyzing massive telemetry datasets.
• ​AI/LLM Proficiency: Ability to prototype with LLM APIs and frameworks; familiarity with agent-based systems and orchestration.
• ​Communication: Excellent “storytelling with data” skills—the ability to make technical research accessible to a broad audience.
• ​Preferred Experience: Background in Threat Intelligence, Red Teaming, or Application-Layer defenses (WAF, Bot Defense, DDoS).

​Why This Role is Unique

​Unlike standard SOC or Analyst roles, this is a publication-driven position. You are not just defending a perimeter; you are shaping the global conversation on how AI is transforming the threat landscape. You have the autonomy to define your own research projects and build open-source tools that benefit the wider security community.