Cyber Security Research Specialist

About This Job

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) is hiring a Cyber Security Research Specialist to join its cyber security function at Habib Bank Plaza, Karachi. Posted on the bank's own careers portal on 25 August 2026, the listing does not state a vacancy count and reads as a single specialist opening within HBL's security research capability. The role is tasked with advancing HBL's cybersecurity research and innovation efforts - analyzing and assessing emerging security technologies and threats, building proofs-of-concept and prototypes for new security solutions, and contributing to the bank's broader threat-research and detection-engineering capacity. The bank frames the position as a research-and-innovation seat rather than a purely operational one, expecting the specialist to publish and present findings and to bring outside cybersecurity advancements back into HBL's own defenses.

HBL is looking for a candidate with a PhD or MPhil in Computer Science, Information Security, or MIS, with certifications such as GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware) or GCTI (GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence) preferred, alongside roughly two to four years of experience in threat research, reverse engineering, or detection engineering - ideally with banking or fintech exposure. Beyond core research work, the specialist will mentor junior analysts, interns, and detection engineers on malware analysis and exploit fundamentals, and will work closely with the bank's Digital Banking, IT Development, Architecture, Fraud Risk, and Operations teams to share threat intelligence and recommend mitigation strategies. The role also expects familiarity with cybersecurity standards and frameworks, responsible disclosure practices, and the legal and regulatory landscape governing security research and technology use, along with the ability to decompose complex systems to identify weaknesses, generate new research ideas, and translate that theory into practical detection and defense capability for the bank. No age limit, domicile condition, or quota is specified in the advertisement, so the posting is open to eligible applicants nationwide.

Interested candidates can apply online through the HBL People careers portal by creating or updating a profile against this listing before the deadline. The listing does not disclose a salary figure or mention any application fee, in keeping with HBL's usual practice of setting compensation based on a candidate's experience and its internal grading structure. Applications close on 11 September 2026, and researchers with a strong background in malware analysis, threat intelligence, or security research, particularly those who have worked in or alongside the banking and fintech sector, are encouraged to apply through the portal before the deadline.

Job Information

Commission / Board

HBL

Place of posting

Habib Bank Plaza, Karachi

City

Karachi

Postal Code

74000

Domicile

All Punjab Basis

Age (Male)

18–40 years

Age (Female)

18–40 years

Age note

Age criteria not stated in the advertisement; a default ceiling of 40 has been applied given the PhD/MPhil qualification requirement combined with a 2-4 year experience band.

Advt. date

25 August 2026

Last date

11 September 2026

Qualification Required

• Qualification: PhD or MPhil in Computer Science, Information Security, or MIS; GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware) or GCTI (GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence) certification preferred.
• Experience: Preferably 2 to 4 years in threat research, reverse engineering, or detection engineering, ideally with banking/fintech exposure.

Posts Breakdown

Important Dates

Advertisement date

25 August 2026

How to Apply

1. Apply online via the HBL People careers portal (hblpeople.com > Apply Now) - create or update your candidate profile in the Oracle-hosted job listing and submit your application before the deadline.

Additional Details

Job Id

28743

Key Duties

Advances the state-of-the-art in cybersecurity research; builds proofs-of-concept and prototypes for security solutions; mentors junior analysts/detection engineers on malware analysis and threat research; liaises with Digital Banking, IT Development, Architecture, Fraud Risk, and Operations on emerging threats.

Share This Job

Know someone eligible for this post? Share it with them.