Professor of AI, Cybersecurity & Digital Innovation

Unist; Newcastle; Hybrid; AUD 200,460 - 245,007; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

Wellbeing and support programs

17% superannuation and salary packaging options

Job summary

The University of Newcastle seeks an exceptional Professor to lead significant advancements in Computing and Information Technology. This role offers the chance to shape academic agendas and build strengths in applied computing and digital innovation.

The ideal candidate will drive a high-performing team, mentor emerging academics, and contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing research capabilities.

Join us in a vibrant environment that values diversity and excellence while making a significant impact in the field.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of research leadership and competitive funding success.
• Ability to mentor and build research capacity.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing academic team.
• Shape a compelling vision for growth in Computing discipline.
• Drive innovation across teaching and research.

Skills

Leadership in AI and cybersecurity

Research capability

Mentoring emerging academics

Education

PhD or equivalent in Computing or related field

Job description

Organisation/Company THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 12 Jul 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country Australia Type of Contract Permanent 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

Job no:HRC0024468

Drive excellence in AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation Build and lead a high-performing academic team Mentor emerging academics and grow research capability

Salary:$222,734 plus 17% superannuation plus annual leave loading

Position:Full-time, Continuing

About the Role

The University of Newcastle is seeking an outstanding Professor to lead a major new capability build in the discipline of Computing and Information Technology.

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact academic agenda in a School that is investing in future-focused capability across research, education, and external engagement. We are looking for a senior academic with the vision, profile and drive to build a distinctive area of strength and to help position the University of Newcastle as a leader in applied computing and digital innovation.

The appointment is part of a strategic recruitment initiative in the School of Computer and Information Sciences, with aligned Lecturer appointments (3 x Level B) intended to build depth in priority areas.

We are particularly interested in leadership that can help establish excellence in:

• trustworthy and secure artificial intelligence
• AI engineering and machine learning systems
• cybersecurity and secure software systems
• human-centred computing and responsible digital technologies

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of research leadership, competitive funding success and external engagement, together with the ability to shape a compelling vision for growth. You will have the opportunity to build capability, mentor emerging academics, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive innovation across teaching and research.

You will join a dynamic School spanning the disciplines of Computing and IT, Data Science and Statistics, and Mathematics, creating strong opportunities to build collaborative programs at the intersection of AI, digital systems, analytics, security, and human-centred design.

This is an opportunity to do more than step into an established role. It is an opportunity to build, lead and shape what comes next.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please review the Position Description.

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The School of Computer and Information Sciences is a vibrant hub for innovative education and impactful research. As part of the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, we prepare students and researchers to be visionary thinkers, tackling tomorrow’s complex challenges today.

We offer flexible and future-focused programs across disciplines including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Software Engineering, and Statistics. Our graduates are equipped with the analytical and technical skills needed to thrive in dynamic industries such as fintech, AI-driven manufacturing, digital health, and renewable energy.

Our research is globally recognised, contributing significantly to the University’s international reputation. With strengths in applied mathematics, machine learning, space sciences, and more, we foster interdisciplinary collaboration to address scientific and technological challenges.

Our School is committed to student empowerment, community engagement, and academic excellence. We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, career-ready placements, and strong industry partnerships that drive innovation and societal progress.

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader with a reputation for excellence in education and research. Ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact, our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas and extend respect to Elders past and present. We are committed to strengthening Indigenous higher education and supporting Indigenous students and communities.

What we offer

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading
• Generous leave entitlements
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health
• Great Lifestyle – Enjoy the best of coastal living in Newcastle, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene, and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities. Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website .

How to Apply

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can review the fullPosition Descriptionand submit your application.

Your application must include:

• Your ORCID ID.
• A URL link to yourUniversity Academic Profile(or equivalent).
• A Cover Letter and Statement(uploaded as a single PDF):
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the role and providing details of 3 referees.
• Statement (max. 4 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as listed in the position description.
• Your CV(max. 5 pages) tailored to your discipline

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application.

For specific position enquiries, please contact Associate Professor Elena Levchenko, Acting Head of School, School of Computer and Information Sciences at [e-mail] .

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating asafe, respectful, and inclusive environmentfor every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure an equitable and inclusive recruitment process.

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.

Please reach out to [e-mail] if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.

Application close date: 12 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.