Managed Detection & Response Analyst

About AARNet

Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet) was established in 1989 and is widely regarded as the founder of the Internet in Australia and renowned as the architect, builder and operator of world-class network infrastructure for research and education. 

As Australia’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). We connect over one million users — researchers, faculty, staff, students, hospitals, vocational training providers, schools and museums — across Australia.

We are an organisation of innovators, doers, and courageous thinkers. We don’t settle for the status quo; instead, we anticipate the future needs of our customers and build solutions today. If you share our imagination, foresight, and drive to shape the future, why not come and join us?

https://www.aarnet.edu.au/

Role Purpose

Step into the frontline of cyber defence as our MDR Analyst. You’ll be a key force behind AARNet's Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, working hand-in-hand with our partners to shield research and education institutions from sophisticated cyberattacks. In this dynamic role, your technical prowess and passion for cybersecurity will drive real-time incident detection, response, and strategic remediation—ensuring our customers receive exceptional support and protection.

Key Accountabilities

At AARNet, all employees are accountable for:

• Actively promoting safe work practices in the workplace during all activities consistent with AARNet’s policies and comply with all WH&S legislation, policies and procedures.
• Actively contributes to a safe and supportive working environment that is inclusive of all staff through celebrating their nationality, cultural background, LGBTI status, abilities, gender and age.

In this role, your main responsibilities are:

• Real-Time Incident Response: Lead incident response efforts across diverse operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux) to detect, analyse, and contain security breaches as they happen.
• Partner Collaboration: Work closely with our vendors and internal teams to manage and evolve the MDR service, ensuring seamless integration of cutting-edge threat intelligence and response capabilities.
• Advanced Malware Analysis: Conduct initial and in-depth analysis of malware, leveraging your skills in both static and dynamic analysis to pinpoint threats and drive targeted remediation.
• Process Innovation: Develop, refine, and enhance procedures for detecting and responding to incidents, transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Clear Communication: Prepare concise written reports and deliver impactful verbal presentations to customer management, detailing incident findings and strategic recommendations.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively contribute to the evolution of workflows and functions within the MDR service, ensuring our threat detection and response capabilities remain best-in-class.
• Governance & Reporting: Elevate our customer engagements by contributing to monthly and quarterly governance sessions, providing enhanced visibility into threat trends and remediation successes.

About you in the role

You will celebrate diversity, inclusion, belonging and welcome all people regardless of lifestyle choices, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Your directorate: Cyber Security

You’ll report to: Manager Security Incident Response (SOC)

Your expertise, experience & qualifications

• Technical Expertise: A Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or a related field (or equivalent experience and qualifications e.g. GCFA, GREM) with a proven track record in incident response—especially in handling targeted attacks from advanced threat actors.
• Collaborative Mindset: A proactive, solution-oriented approach with strong teamwork and communication skills, ensuring you can thrive both independently and in collaborative, fast-paced environments.
• Thought Leadership: A passion for staying at the forefront of incident response methodologies and a drive to cultivate a positive, innovative work culture.

Even better

Although not essential to the role, it would be even better if you had any of the following experience/skills:

• Programming & Scripting: Desirable but not essential, experience with scripting languages such as Python, yaml, or similar, enabling you to automate tasks and develop custom remediation strategies.
• Dynamic Defender: You excel under pressure, quickly analysing complex situations to provide clear, actionable insights.
• Tech Innovator: Your deep technical knowledge and hands-on expertise empower you to implement innovative solutions that outpace emerging threats.
• Effective Communicator: You’re skilled at translating technical complexities into clear, customer-focused narratives, ensuring every stakeholder understands the path to remediation.
• Collaborative Trailblazer: With a natural ability to foster teamwork and inspire change, you drive continuous improvement and elevate our MDR service to new heights.

Benefits at AARNet

AARNet is committed to diversity and providing equal opportunity to all. We’re a great place to work if you want to make a difference.

AARNet provides a host of other benefits in line with our HR policies which include:

• Competitive remuneration;
• 17% superannuation; 
• Flexible work options including a hybrid work model;
• Focus on wellbeing – year-round initiatives and social engagement activities;
• Ethical Leadership: A sector leader in cyber security, social responsibility, and equal opportunity;
• Options to purchase additional Annual Leave; 
• 2 days paid Women’s Wellness Leave per month; 
• 24 weeks paid Parental Leave – Primary Carer; 
• Welcome back to AARNet superannuation payment – on unpaid Parental Leave for Primary Carer; 
• 4 weeks paid Birth Trauma Leave; 
• 24 weeks paid - Adoption Leave; 
• 16 weeks paid Parental Leave – Secondary Carer; 
• 5 days paid – First Nations Cultural Leave; 
• 2 days paid Family Wedding Leave; 
• 24 weeks paid – Foster Carer Leave; 
• 5 days paid – Fertility Leave; 
• 8 weeks paid – Gender Affirmation Leave; 
• Strong Equal Opportunity focus;  
• Modern office environment: Hotdesking system and new facilities;
• Support your success: A culture and company structure that allows your career to grow with access to leading edge technologies;
• An opportunity to give back to the academic and research sector.