Research Associate- Cyber

Company Description

Independent Power Producers Association of India (IPPAI) is a not-for-profit association that provides a neutral platform to discuss and address issues critical to the power sector in India. Founded after the Government of India opened the power sector to private industry, IPPAI focuses on policy, strategic, financial, legal, regulatory, and technical issues affecting the power, oil, gas, and allied sectors. We emphasize holistic strategies that integrate environmental and socio-ecological concerns. The organization is renowned for its industry-acclaimed conferences and enjoys recognition from international forums and media.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Research Associate - Cyber at IPPAI's Bengaluru office. The Research Associate will be responsible for conducting in-depth research on cybersecurity trends, analyzing data patterns, and developing reports. Daily tasks include programming for data analysis, collaborating with experts to gather insights, and contributing to the development of technical strategies for cybersecurity. The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address cybersecurity challenges in the power sector.

Core Roles & Responsibilities

1. Research & Analysis

●     Conduct in-depth studies on cyber threats affecting power grids, smart meters, and energy storage systems

●     Analyze global and national trends in cyber resilience for energy infrastructure

●     Evaluate the effectiveness of cybersecurity frameworks and technologies in the power sector

2. Policy & Regulatory Support

●     Review and draft policy documents, regulatory frameworks, and technical guidelines

●     Support government and industry stakeholders in shaping cyber policies for energy systems

●     Contribute to white papers, issue briefs, and strategic recommendations on cyber power security

3. Technology Assessment

●     Assess emerging technologies like smart grids, IoT in energy, and AI-driven threat detection

●     Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate cybersecurity tools and protocols

●     Monitor developments in utility demand-side management, grid energy storage, and electric mobility

4. Stakeholder Engagement

●     Liaise with policymakers, energy utilities, tech vendors, and international think tanks

●     Participate in roundtables, workshops, and conferences to share insights and gather feedback

●     Build partnerships for collaborative research and pilot projects

5. Documentation & Reporting

●     Prepare detailed research reports, journal articles, and project documentation

●     Maintain records of findings, methodologies, and data sources

●     Contribute to outreach materials like brochures, blog posts, and presentations

Qualifications

• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and energy systems
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to collaborate with industry experts and policymakers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in the power or energy sector is a plus
• Degree in engineering, computer science, energy studies, or related fields