At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research in cybersecurity and AI while shaping the future of education.
- Company: Join UNSW, a world-leading institution with cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, superannuation, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong industry partnerships and commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity and AI, mentoring the next generation of innovators.
- Qualifications: PhD in a related field and proven research leadership in cybersecurity and AI.
The predicted salary is between 185917 - 204218 £ per year.
Associate Professor in Cybersecurity – Full Time, based in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Salary, Level D – AUD $185,917 to $204,218 per annum + 17% superannuation. Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia. 2-Year Convertible Tenure Track or continuing appointment.
The Opportunity
Join the School of Computer Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW as an Associate Professor in a Teaching and Research role. You will be a senior academic leader contributing to and shaping the strategic direction of research and education in cybersecurity and AI security. You will drive high-impact research with national and international visibility across areas such as security and privacy of AI systems, adversarial machine learning, secure AI deployment, and AI safety, while advancing the School’s research profile, industry engagement, and educational excellence.
With established strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and distributed systems, UNSW offers an environment for ambitious academics ready to lead innovative programs, mentor researchers, and contribute to institutional strategy, governance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You will help advance the future of secure, trustworthy, and privacy-preserving intelligent systems.
This is an opportunity to join a global leader in Computer Science with cutting-edge facilities, world-class faculty, and an innovative research environment. With strong industry partnerships and a commitment to sustainability, UNSW provides opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and impact.
About You
You are an established academic with a strong and sustained track record of high-impact research in cybersecurity and AI security, with a growing national or international reputation. You bring expertise in areas such as AI security and privacy, adversarial machine learning, model and data privacy, LLM and agent security, and AI safety, and demonstrate the ability to translate research into real-world impact.
With a proven ability to secure competitive research funding, lead research initiatives, and supervise higher degree research students to successful completion, you are an engaging and effective educator with experience in delivering high-quality teaching and contributing to curriculum development. As a senior academic, you will demonstrate leadership within your discipline, contribute to strategic initiatives, academic governance, or program development. You are collaborative, forward-thinking, and motivated to build partnerships across academia and industry.
About UNSW
UNSW is a world-leading institution with scale, prestige, and impact. The university offers an environment where academic expertise translates into real-world outcomes, supported by cutting-edge research and teaching excellence. The School of Computer Science and Engineering is among the largest and most prestigious schools of computing in Australia, offering undergraduate programmes in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Bioinformatics, with research and teaching staff who are world leading.
Skills & Experience
- A PhD in a related discipline, and/or relevant work experience.
- Commitment to staying current with discipline knowledge and developments.
- Experience in teaching and learning design, development and delivery of courses and programs at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
- Experience implementing educational technologies and online delivery methods.
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness and passion for educational excellence and fostering this in others.
- Experience with industry or work-integrated learning.
- Professional development of teaching practice with ability to advance and lead an inclusive culture of excellence in learning and teaching.
- Experience initiating curriculum development and improvement.
- Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Ability to support and inspire students from diverse backgrounds and support equity diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Significant track record in research leadership with high-quality, high international impact and ongoing pursuit of research excellence.
- Excellent record of recruiting and supervising high-calibre students.
- Leadership in building engagement and partnerships with the profession and industry.
- Understanding of UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to training.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
To Apply
If you are an established academic seeking to advance your career in a senior role that provides leadership of significant research initiatives, delivers high-quality teaching, and contributes to the School’s strategic direction, please click the Apply Now button and submit your CV, cover letter, and responses addressing the Skills and Experience criteria.
If you have had any interruption in your career, you are encouraged to include a ROPE statement as part of your application. For information on ROPE please check: https://www.arc.gov.au/about-arc/program-policies/research-opportunity-and-performance-evidence-rope-statement
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
Eugene Aves - Talent Acquisition Partner
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:50 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday, 26 July 2026
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on safety, ethical conduct, and integrity, preferred candidates may be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role. Checks may include some of the following:
- National and International Criminal history checks
- Entitlement to work and ID checks
- Working With Children Checks
- Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
- Verification of relevant qualifications
- Verification of relevant professional membership
- Employment history and reference checks
- Financial responsibility assessments/checks
- Medical Checks and Assessments
- Compliance with these checks is a condition of employment.
UNSW supports equity and inclusion and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Position Description
Advertised: 26 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 26 Jul 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Associate Professor in Cybersecurity in Birmingham employer: UNSW
UNSW is an exceptional employer for those seeking to advance their academic careers in cybersecurity, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a commitment to research excellence, employees benefit from strong industry partnerships and numerous opportunities for professional growth. Located in the heart of Sydney, UNSW provides a dynamic environment where academics can make a significant impact on the future of technology and education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor in Cybersecurity in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia and industry. Attend conferences, workshops, or webinars related to cybersecurity and AI security. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research, publications, and teaching materials. This will not only highlight your achievements but also demonstrate your commitment to advancing the field of cybersecurity and AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to interview, be ready to discuss your vision for the role and how you can contribute to UNSW's strategic direction. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and goals in cybersecurity education and research.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining UNSW and contributing to their mission in cybersecurity and AI.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Professor in Cybersecurity in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in cybersecurity and AI security. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this position and how you can contribute to our mission at UNSW. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Address the Skills and Experience Criteria:Don’t forget to respond to the Skills and Experience criteria in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of your teaching effectiveness and research leadership, so make sure to include those!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNSW
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in cybersecurity and AI security confidently. Be prepared to explain how your work translates into real-world applications, as this will show your understanding of the field and its impact.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Since this role involves teaching, be ready to articulate your approach to education. Discuss your experience with curriculum development and how you engage students from diverse backgrounds. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've used.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a senior academic, you'll need to show your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led research initiatives or mentored students. This will help illustrate your ability to contribute to the strategic direction of the school.
✨Engage with Industry Connections
Talk about your experience in building partnerships with industry. Be specific about how these collaborations have enhanced your research or teaching. This will demonstrate your commitment to bridging academia and industry, which is crucial for this role.
