Senior Executive Network Security Research (Researcher)

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission; Cyberjaya; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A Malaysian regulatory body is seeking a Deputy Director of Network Security Research in Cyberjaya. The successful candidate will lead advanced research on emerging technologies in cybersecurity, including AI-driven threat detection and post-quantum cryptography. Responsibilities include conducting benchmarking against international practices, managing research collaborations, and developing innovative technological solutions. A Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years in cybersecurity research are required, with strong communication skills in English and Malay. This is a permanent position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cybersecurity research or emerging technology research.
• Track record of publications and contributions to the cybersecurity community.
• Must possess experience in research and development.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaborations to assist in research activities and project management.
• Conduct research into AI-driven cybersecurity systems and quantum encryption.
• Identify technological gaps and design strategies to close them.
• Benchmark cybersecurity practices against international standards.
• Forge partnerships for R&D in privacy-preserving technologies.

Skills

Strong cybersecurity skills

Research and development skills

Excellent writing and communication skills (English and BM)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or relevant discipline

Job description

Job Summary

The Deputy Director of Network Security Research lead advanced research on emerging technologies with critical implications for cybersecurity and online safety such as AI-driven threat detection, post-quantum cryptography, and next-generation network security by driving cross-sector collaborations, managing end-to-end research activities, identifying and addressing technology gaps, conducting benchmarking against international best practices, developing innovative solutions, contributing to strategic policy recommendations, and representing the organization in global cybersecurity and digital resilience forums.

Job Responsibilities

1. Advanced Research on Emerging Technologies

• Lead collaborations with universities and industries by assisting in research activities, project management, documentation, knowledge exchange, event organization, administrative tasks, and contributing ideas.
• Conduct in-depth research into emerging technologies that have significant implications for cybersecurity and online safety, such as:
  • AI-driven cybersecurity systems for real-time threat detection and behavioral analytics.
  • Quantum encryption and post-quantum cryptography to prepare for future cryptographic challenges.
  • Next-generation network security frameworks (e.g., 5G/6G, IoT security, Zero Trust models).
• Assess the use of these technologies in combating online harms, such as telecommunications fraud, misinformation, cyberbullying, cyber exploitation etc.

2. Identifying and Addressing Technical and Technology Gaps

• Evaluate the current landscape of cybersecurity and online harm mitigation capabilities in the communications and multimedia (C&M) sector.
• Identify technological blind spots or vulnerabilities that could be exploited for malicious activities.
• Design and develop innovative tools, frameworks, and strategies to close these gaps, enhancing both technical security and online safety oversight.

3. Industry Benchmarking and Best Practices Analysis

• Lead in technology benchmarking within agencies by conducting research by producing desktop research summary report, collecting data on technological trends and industry standards, participating in evaluation of technologies, documenting findings, contributing innovative ideas, and learning from the benchmarking process.
• Study and adapt international best practices in cybersecurity, online safety frameworks.
• Benchmark cybersecurity posture and online harm response mechanisms against global counterparts.
• Provide technical insight and evidence-based recommendations to inform policy updates, technical codes, or regulatory measures.

4. Strategic Collaboration with Academia, Industry, and Government

• Forge and manage partnerships with academia for R&D in privacy-preserving technologies, algorithmic transparency, and content moderation tools.
• Industry (ISPs, platform providers, cybersecurity vendors) to co‑develop and test scalable solutions.
• Government and regulatory bodies, both domestic and international, to advance joint initiatives in online harm prevention, digital resilience, and cyber threat intelligence sharing.
• Represent MCMC in global working groups and cybersecurity forums to contribute to the development of harmonized standards and cooperative strategies.

Qualifications

Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or relevant discipline from a reputable university with a minimum of CGPA 3.00.

Work Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in cybersecurity research, emerging technology research, a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, or a related field, with a track record of publications and contributions to the cybersecurity community.

Must possess experience in research and development. Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision and must possess acceptable writing and communication skills in English and BM.

Technical Competencies/ Skills

Experienced in the research and publication of papers.

Strong cybersecurity skills.

Research and development skills.

Excellent in writing and communication skills in English and BM.

Behavioural Competencies/ Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Analytical thinking.

Problem-solving skills.

Ability to multitask.

Project management skills.

Candidate must be willing to work in Cyberjaya.

Permanent position.