• 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)

At Adelaide University, we create the opportunities you need to achieve your ambitions – because when you thrive, we thrive. 

We are transforming education for contemporary learners and global citizens. Building on a proud legacy and shaped by bold ambition, it’s a place of excellence and equity, where our vibrant community of staff are united by our purpose to inspire Australia’s future change-makers and create a better tomorrow.

Work that matters 

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.

Curious to learn more? Don’t hesitate to contact us and visit this link.

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.

Visit the AU website to learn more.

Our people  

Our people are guided by purpose, curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning. We embrace authenticity, innovation and collaboration, and harness diverse thinking in our pursuit of excellence.

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.

Learn more about our people, what we stand for and what we offer at Careers at AU.

Experience

To join our community and thrive in this role, you will likely have the 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.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels respected and valued. Adelaide University is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements and providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Launch your future with Adelaide University now

Simply click on the Apply Now button and upload: 

• your current CV 
• a cover letter

The online application form will list the specific selection criteria that you need to address. 

Submit your application by 11:30pm Wednesday 05 August 2026

Please note that the role description is not attached to this advertisement as it is currently being finalised. 

For further information about this opportunity, please contact (quoting reference number 493234): 

Jessica De Lorenzo 
Team Lead, Talent Acquisitions
+61 8 8302 1700 | careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au  

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. 

#LI-DNI

#S-DNI