Professor in Cyber Security and Discipline Lead
Job ID: 492788
Applications close: Wednesday 22 January 2025
For enquiries: Professor Stuart Parsons, Dean, School of Business and Creative Industries
Work area: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus or UniSC Moreton Bay Campus
Classification: Academic Level E
Supervisor: Dean, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Professor Stuart Parsons
Employment: Full-time, Ongoing appointment (Please note, the Discipline Lead component will be offered as a 2-year secondment)
Position description:
Position overview
The Professor in Cyber Security offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated and accomplished individual to join the University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Science, Technology and Engineering. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in uplifting the profile of our growing Technology Discipline, which is actively contributing to multiple initiatives across the university.
This leadership position will involve teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across a range of areas, including Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Signal Processing, Advanced Software Development, Cyber Security, Networking, and more. The successful candidate will provide leadership in course development, shaping the strategic direction of the discipline and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that promotes student engagement and industry partnerships.
Beyond teaching, the role includes mentoring junior academics, driving impactful research, and contributing to the growth and international reputation of the discipline. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring innovation and advancing the fields of cyber security, forensics and computer science education and research. Additionally, as the Discipline Lead, the incumbent will provide leadership and support to academic staff within the discipline, aligning with school objectives and university strategies while promoting research integration, innovation, and improved experiences for students and staff alike.
About
Profile
At the University of the Sunshine Coast, a Professor has established and continuing international expert status and is recognised as an eminent authority in their discipline/field. They have substantial involvement in the development of their discipline/field, both nationally and internationally, having made a clear and formative impact, which is recognised and acknowledged as significant by national and international leaders in the discipline/field.
Key Accountabilities
Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Evidenced by both exemplary teaching practice and leadership in teaching, the ultimate outcome of which is student engagement and success. For example, by:
- Leadership and/or implementation of research-led approaches to learning and teaching in the design and development of curricula;
- Leadership of learning and teaching development processes which improve teaching practice within and/or beyond the University; - The University aims to build research productivity and output significantly. Research is a scholarly practice that includes:
- International leadership in their field
- purposefully developing focused expertise in a discipline/field
- developing a clear research agenda and leading research teams
- framing research problems and researchable hypotheses
- designing, conducting and leading research projects and writing research reports
- consistently and successfully applying for significant research grants, particularly external competitive grants
- communicating research outcomes to both expert and lay audiences through publishing, exhibiting and performing, and subjecting outcomes to peer appraisal
- mentoring other researchers, including Mid- and Early Career Researchers
- successfully supervising Higher Degree by Research candidates
- developing and maintaining strategic research partnerships
- developing and exploiting intellectual property
- being invited to conduct research with colleagues at other universities and give addresses in various research and research training
- recognition of excellence in research in the discipline/field, and
- consistently making significant leadership contributions to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment that is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of performance in research - The University is committed to delivering high quality teaching, learning and graduate outcomes. Teaching is a scholarly practice that includes:
- maintaining currency in one’s discipline/field
- maintaining currency in effective learning and teaching practices, especially in one’s discipline/field
- leading the design, development, evaluation and improvement of curricula and teaching
- leading innovation and making use of appropriate technologies and media to support and enhance learning, teaching, assessment and evaluation
- engaging students in learning in a variety of modes including: face-to-face (lecturing, tutoring, conducting workshops, simulations and in laboratories) and learning supported by online tools that enhance knowledge construction, collaboration, communication and engagement
supporting students to be successful learners
- assessing, and giving fair, helpful and timely feedback on students’ work
- leading learning and teaching development processes within and beyond the University
- high quality administration of teaching
- developing and maintaining strategic partnerships that enhance the quality of learning and teaching within the University and beyond
conducting “practitioner research” into learning and teaching and communicating the outcomes of that research, particularly in quality refereed journals
- being invited to teach at other universities and give addresses in various learning and teaching fora in recognition of excellence in learning and teaching in one’s discipline/field, and
- consistently making significant leadership contributions to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment that is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of performance in learning and teaching - The University is committed to regional, national and international engagement and articulates the importance of partnerships and ongoing consultation and cooperation with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders. External engagement is a scholarly practice through which academic staff apply their discipline knowledge and skills to problems in the world. Through external engagement, worthwhile social, civic and professional functions are performed.
- Engagement within the University enables academic staff to contribute to defining and achieving the University’s strategic priorities through activities other than teaching and research.
- Contribute to a positive and safe work environment for you and others, by modelling and promoting conduct that is culturally capable, inclusive, respectful, and ethical.
- Other duties within the range of skills normally associated with this classification, including those associated with an evolving research, teaching, learning and professional environment, as required.
Selection Criteria
Applicants need to demonstrate they meet the following knowledge, skills and experience:
- Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field and extensive experience as an academic leader.
- Experience of leadership at a School, Discipline or Program level.
- Involvement in the development of their discipline/field and evidence of having made a clear and formative impact in that discipline/field.
- A clear and coherent research program with: a strong track record of active, sustained and productive engagement in high quality research; publicly verifiable outputs and outcomes from research; external recognition of research performance and achievement; quality supervision of candidates for Higher Degrees by Research; and impact of research.
- Quality research leadership, for example through: effective mentoring to develop the research capability and capacity of individual and teams of Mid- and Early Career Researchers; substantial leadership contributions that strengthen the University’s research capacity, capability and culture; and a consistent record of service on national discipline panels, such ARC panels of experts and other assessment panels.
- Effectiveness as a teacher, which is evidenced by both exemplary teaching practice and leadership in teaching, the ultimate outcome of which is student engagement and success. For example, by:
- Leadership and/or implementation of research-led approaches to learning and teaching in the design and development of curricula;
- Leadership of learning and teaching development processes which improve teaching practice within and/or beyond the University;
- Sustained formal recognition for excellence in learning and teaching. - Strong leadership contributions and personal qualities that influence the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment which is conducive to high levels of engagement and standards of achievement for both staff and students.
- Participation and success in academic administrative functions e.g. course/program coordination, within a University.
- The ability to develop and maintain productive regional, national and international partnerships that reap significant benefits for the University.
Desirable - Postgraduate qualifications in higher education.
- Formal external and/or internal recognition for excellence in learning and teaching and/or research.
Additionally, in accordance with UniSC’s Staff Code of Conduct – Governing Policy, all staff are expected to display professional behaviour, communicate respectfully, and perform their duties responsibly.
A position description is not intended to limit the scope of a position but to highlight the key aspects of the position. The requirements of the position may be altered in order to meet the changing operational needs of UniSC.
Recruitment process
How to apply
Your application should include:
- Resume
- A cover letter not to exceed one page. This statement should outline your skills, knowledge and qualities that will make you a success at UniSC.
- A response to key selection criteria not to exceed 4 pages.
Closing date
Applications close: Wednesday 22 January 2025
Contact
If you have any questions about the position or for a confidential discussion, please contact:
Professor Stuart Parsons, Dean School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Email: DeanSSTE@usc.edu.au
Candidates may be requested to undergo psychometric testing and give permission for verification of their tertiary qualifications.
Prospective candidates interested in applying for this position must demonstrate eligibility to work full-time in Australia. Employment sponsorship opportunities are available for qualified candidates.
The environment
The University of the Sunshine Coast is structured around its areas of expertise. UniSC has five schools that cover health, business and creative industries, science, technology and engineering, law and society and education.
We introduced new programs in Engineering and Technology, including those in cyber security and forensics, including a number of embedded industry certifications. We recently began offering Technology programs at our new campus in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our offerings further in 2025 with the introduction of a new programs in postgraduate engineering and undergraduate science.
From our first campus in Sippy Downs which began welcoming students in 1996, UniSC has rapidly expanded its campus footprint to now include five award-winning campuses across South East Queensland, from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast and UniSC Adelaide.
Our online offering has grown dramatically with almost 7,500 students enrolled in 2023 and 58 programs on offer in 2024. Delivery of learning to students is managed through the schools within a common set of principles.
UniSC has undergone a significant evolution of our learning and teaching to improve the reach and impact of classes. It has offered students access to a range of learning materials that are relevant and more meaningful than the traditional lecture. Examples include podcasts, interviews, simulations, screencasts, recorded discussions and formative quizzes, along with seminars, that are dependent on the learning outcomes of each individual course.
Whilst learning materials are delivered through the universities learning management system, student engagement is achieved either on-campus in a blended mode – with on-campus tutorials, practicals, seminars and laboratories – or through an online experience.
UniSC is home to some of the most advanced facilities in Australia, including simulated nursing and paramedic labs, advanced engineering technologies, and state-of-the-art creative industries’ facilities. Our modern laboratories and equipment replicate real life working environments, so students graduate work-ready.
The School of Science, Technology and Engineering (SSTE) brings together all non-health related STEM disciplines to create a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment that fosters innovative and impactful research and educational outcomes. SSTE is located on three of UniSC’s campuses at Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast. We are excited to be part of UniSC’s growing presence at our Moreton Bay Campus, with SSTE staff and students benefiting from existing facilities as well as three new buildings currently under construction and due to open in early 2023.
Our research has been independently rated as above or well-above world standard in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Materials Engineering, and Technology. We have research and funding agreements with local, national and international funding agencies, as well as a number of industries. Along with UniSC colleagues from other Schools, we are founding partners with the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN), and also members of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing Hub (ARM-Hub), a number of Collaborative Research Centres (SmartSat, Honey Bee Products, Marine Bioproducts), Galapagos Science Centre and the Queensland Defence Science Alliance. We are extremely proud of our success in the recent Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022 with UniSC placing first in Queensland and equal 31st in the world overall, with specific SDG results of 5th for Clean Water and Sanitation, equal 18th for Life on Land, 19th for Life Below Water, and 22nd for Climate Action.
We offer a number of qualifications at both under- and post-graduate levels including bachelor’s degrees in Animal Ecology; Computer Science; Environmental Science; Environmental Management; Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical & Electronic); Information and Communication Technology; and Science, as well as Masters and Doctoral degrees. We also work closely with Future Learn to deliver online short courses. We pride ourselves on the practical nature of the education we deliver, right from the first semester of a degree.
UniSC is a place where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned. Our diverse community is made up of many people, with many stories, from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and geographical locations.
No matter your background, we know you’ll feel at home at UniSC. From the moment our students walk onto campus to the day they graduate, they're surrounded by encouragement and support.
We are rated as one of Australia's best for overall student experience. We invite you to experience life at UniSC with us, and find out why.
At UniSC, our goal is to provide quality learning experiences that challenge and engage our students and prepare them to live and work in a changing world.
To do this, the curriculum is designed to be:
- Learning-centred
- Standards based
- Constructively aligned and
- Career and future focussed
These principles are evidenced in innovative and authentic learning experiences that meet sector standards and industry expectations. In addition, UniSC has Graduate Attributes which are embedded and frame all learning outcomes in courses and programs at UniSC.
Our Technology Discipline is a growing group of dedicated researchers and teachers. Our research foci include data science, cyber security, human factors / design science, and smart design for industry (including machine learning & AI, IoT, Cloud, security & networking). Technology is also at the centre of our new collaboration with the ARM-Hub and we have established strong relationships with governmental and industry groups. These include the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance, IngramMicro, CISCO and Microsoft.
Technology is a diverse field, one which is highly in-demand all over the world, and we pride ourselves on the quality of education we provide to our students. The even better news is we're ranked No. 1 in Queensland for teaching quality, overall experience, student support and skills development* in computing and information systems, and our graduates achieve higher starting salaries than the rest of the state**. We're also ranked No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality and skills development*. The Discipline is at the forefront of new educational initiatives with many of our programs having industry certifications and badges built in at no extra cost, from highly recognised companies including Google, Microsoft and Cisco, so you gain the specific skills you need to kick start your career in technology. In establishing our online strategy, we are partnering with one of the world’s largest and most respected companies, Risepoint (formerly Wiley Education Australia). Our degrees are accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
*Good Universities Guide 2023/24
** Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022
Undergraduate
- Diploma in Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Information and Community Technology
- Cyber Security minor
Postgraduate
Our students develop high-level professional skills with UniSC’s ICT programs. At UniSC, our students complete industry certifications during their degree and earn while they learn. Students also have the opportunity to undertake work integrated learning designed to get you job-ready.
Sustainable UniSC
Welcome to the University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short. A young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, delivered by world-class educators.
We may not be the biggest university, but we’re growing fast, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.
Our first campus, on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in 1996. Today, our award-winning facilities span five campuses across South East Queensland, an area of unique geographical importance. In fact, UniSC is the world’s only university with campuses on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari.
While we acknowledge and learn from the past, as a young university, we aren’t confined by the red tape found inside sandstone institutions. So you’re never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”.
Our job is to empower fresh thinkers and ambitious minds to create positive change and ways of thinking that moves everyone forward. And our students, staff and researchers work hard every day to do just that.
Together with our people, community and partners, we’re building a safe, sustainable, supportive, future-focused and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned.
We invite you to learn, experience and gain the tools you need to not just create a better tomorrow for yourself, but for the communities and planet you live on.
We can’t wait to meet you.
The Organisation
UniSC’s organisational structure supports its ambitious agenda. Strong portfolios and flat, clear reporting lines facilitate accountability, flexibility and responsiveness.
Key statistics
A young university at the epicentre of progress. We’re a growing, comprehensive university focused on excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni.
Our rankings
We’re a growing, comprehensive university focused on excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni.
Annual Report
View our achievements, challenges and performance against key indicators in our Annual Report.
Strategic Plan
Our vision is to be Australia’s premier regional university. Our strategic plan outlines how we will achieve this vision. UniSC’s journey has been exceptional in achievement as a community-focused higher education institution.
Locations
UniSC stands as the world's sole university with campuses situated within three interconnected UNESCO biosphere reserves and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed K’gari.
Discover
A great lifestyle in a stunning region
Located on the stunning Sunshine Coast in Queensland, our campuses are situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Australia. With pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a subtropical climate, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to live, work, and play.
Great people and a supportive culture
Our people are the heart of our university, and we're committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and support. We believe that our staff should feel valued, respected, and appreciated for their contributions, and we work hard to create a supportive and engaging workplace environment.
Ambitious growth and development
As a university, we're dedicated to achieving ambitious goals and making a real impact in our community and beyond. We're constantly looking for ways to innovate, grow, and evolve, and we encourage our staff to be a part of this exciting journey.
A purpose-driven institution
We believe in making a positive impact in our community and beyond, and our staff play an integral role in helping us achieve this goal. With a focus on mental health, sustainability, and environmental research, we're committed to making a difference in the world.
The opportunity to make a real impact
At the University of the Sunshine Coast, we believe in giving our staff the opportunity to make a real impact in their roles. Whether it's through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methods, or community engagement, our staff are empowered to make a difference and create a meaningful legacy.
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