Senior Research Director, Cloud Security

About the Role & Team
IDC is seeking a Senior Research Director to lead its cloud security research practice. This role will define IDC’s point of view on how cloud and AI are reshaping security strategies, operating models, and vendor ecosystems. The position focuses on security across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments, with particular emphasis on cloud-native architectures, multicloud security management, workload and infrastructure protection, and identity-driven security models. A key priority is helping clients understand how to secure increasingly distributed applications and data across containers, Kubernetes, APIs, and modern development pipelines. A central focus of this role is the intersection of cloud security and artificial intelligence—both the use of AI to improve security outcomes and the need to secure AI-enabled systems. This includes evaluating AI-driven threat detection, automation of security operations, and emerging risks associated with AI workloads and services. This is a high-visibility role requiring close engagement with enterprise buyers, technology vendors, and IDC stakeholders to deliver actionable, data-driven insights that inform technology strategy and investment decisions.

What You’ll Do

Research & Market Leadership Research & Market Leadership Serve as IDC’s subject matter expert on cloud security, including market trends, competitive dynamics, and vendor strategies  Lead development of market forecasts, taxonomies, and research frameworks aligned with IDC methodologies  Drive coverage of key areas including cloud-native security, CNAPP, identity and access management, workload protection, and multicloud security.  Thought Leadership & Industry Insight Develop forward-looking perspectives on the evolution of cloud security, including platform consolidation and AI-driven security models  Contribute to high-impact research including MarketScape assessments and strategic thought leadership  Represent IDC at industry events, executive briefings, and client engagements  Client Engagement & Advisory Deliver clear, actionable guidance to enterprise clients, vendors, and service providers  Support decision-making through inquiries, briefings, and advisory engagements  Lead and deliver custom research projects, including white papers, surveys, and strategy sessions  Business Development & Revenue Contribution Partner with sales and marketing to support growth of the cloud security research practice  Support and expand an existing book of business across syndicated and custom offerings  Identify emerging market opportunities and contribute to new research and advisory products  Research Delivery & Communication Produce high-quality written and verbal analysis across formats including forecasts, market analysis, and event-driven insights  Translate complex technical and market developments into clear, structured insights for diverse audiences  Maintain a consistent cadence of research aligned with client needs and market developments.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of relevant experience in technology research, consulting, product strategy, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, or a related field
• Strong expertise in cybersecurity markets, with deep knowledge of cloud security technologies, architectures, and vendor landscape
• Solid understanding of AI, cloud, and data platform trends, particularly where they intersect with security, risk, and governance
• Demonstrated ability to analyze emerging markets, synthesize qualitative and quantitative inputs, and produce clear, differentiated research insights
• Proven experience developing market forecasts, competitive analysis, and thought leadership content for enterprise and vendor audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics to senior executive audiences
• Travel varies, but is typically between 20% and 30%
• Desired work model 100% Remote

Why This Role Stands Out

At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• 15 vacation days (prorated based on start date)
• 12 company-paid holidays
• 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
• 1 volunteer day
• 401(k) company match (IDC matches 3% on the first 6% of employee contributions)
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
  
• Company-paid parental leave
  

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner.

The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $130,000– $200,000, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify.

IDC is currently able to employ remote workers in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Washington D.C. (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kansas (KS), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA), Vermont (VT), Washington (WA), and Wisconsin (WI).