Cisco Research Chair in AI Cybersecurity

Organisation/Company ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 5 Aug 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

• Based in the Australian Defence Technologies Academy (ADTA) at the City East Campus
• Full-time 3-year fixed term contract
• Salary Range: $171,341 - $188,469 per annum (plus 17% superannuation)

The Cisco Research Chair in AI Cybersecurity provides academic leadership in the development and delivery of a high-impact research program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity. The position operates within the Australian Defence Technologies Academy (ADTA) and strengthens the University's research capability, industry engagement and external profile, with a particular focus on Defence and other nationally significant sectors.

The Chair leads the design and management of a portfolio of research projects, builds interdisciplinary collaborations, attracts competitive funding and industry sponsorship, and contributes to learning, teaching and community engagement. The role also works closely with Cisco and other external stakeholders to develop real-world-inspired research, proof-of-concept activity, publications, and new partnership models that support long-term research growth and impact.

The role also contributes to the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), a collaborative network that brings together industry, universities and government to accelerate innovation and digitisation. The NIIN Research Chair Program is a critical and flagship element of this network, established to bridge the gap between leading-edge research and industry application. Through this program, the Chair plays an important role in translating academic expertise into practical industry outcomes that support national innovation, productivity and economic resilience.

The team

Reporting to the Foundation Director, ADTA this role forms part of the Australian Defence Technologies Academy (ADTA) team in the Research and Innovation Portfolio.

This opportunity will suit an internationally recognised researcher and academic leader with a strong track record in AI Cybersecurity and a passion for translating research into real-world impact. You are a strategic thinker who thrives on building collaborative partnerships across academia, industry and government, and have demonstrated success in securing competitive research funding and leading high-performing research teams. You are committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and delivering innovative research that addresses complex challenges in areas such as Defence, critical infrastructure and digital resilience. An engaging communicator and influential stakeholder, you are excited by the opportunity to shape a flagship research program, strengthen Adelaide University's global reputation, and work alongside Cisco to drive innovation and national capability in AI Cybersecurity.

Experience

Tojoin our community and thrive in this role, you will likely havethe following skills and experience:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, data science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated academic standing and research achievement in a field relevant to AI Cybersecurity, with a strong national and international profile.
• Extensive experience leading high-quality independent and collaborative research, including the design and delivery of complex research programs.
• Demonstrated success in attracting research funding, including from industry.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating and managing productive partnerships across industry, government and research organisations.
• Proven ability to design and manage a portfolio of research projects that connect scholarly excellence with practical relevance and stakeholder need.
• Demonstrated experience supervising research students and mentoring early career researchers.
• Extensive experience communicating research to a range of audiences through publications, presentations, seminars, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and to contribute to governance processes and collaborative programs.
• Experience relevant to applied or industry-connected research environments will be highly regarded, particularly in areas connected to Defence, digital technologies, critical infrastructure, public sector or other strategic sectors.

Ourcommitment to inclusionand diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity iscelebratedand everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University isanequal opportunityemployer,committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Westrongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of allages,genders,cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, andgender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible workingarrangementsand providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Applications are welcomed from Australian citizens, residing in Australia only.

Appointment is subject to a Personnel Security Clearance at NEGATIVE VETTING LEVEL 1 being obtained and maintained.