Deputy Director, The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security, UNSW Canberra

Employment type:   Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: Continuing

Remuneration: Level C from $155,403 plus leave loading and 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

 

About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.

UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight.

Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

 

Why Your Role Matters:
The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCyber) is a Tier 1 UNSW Institute which means that it works across the whole University.  Although the role is based in Canberra many of our members are in Sydney so frequent domestic travel is required.  IFCyber works to advance research and practice to strengthen Australia’s resilience in an increasingly contested digital environment while supporting the development of trusted technologies and security systems that serve the needs of society. The Deputy Director of IFCyber plays a central leadership role in shaping, operationalising, and delivering the Institute’s strategy.

 

Accountabilities:

Working closely with the Director, Professor Debi Ashenden, the Deputy Director will be responsible for:

• Translating strategic priorities into coherent programmes of work

• Building the internal capability, processes, and partnerships required to deliver them

• Acting as a connector and convenor across academia, government, and industry to ensure IFCyber’s research achieves real-world impact.

The role combines strategic leadership, operational delivery, and external engagement and is critical to establishing IFCyber as a nationally and internationally recognised hub for applied cyber security research and policy impact.

 

Who You Are (skills and experience): 

• PhD in Cyber Security or a related subject

• Demonstrated ability to operate at the interface of research, policy, and practice

• Experience designing and delivering multi-stakeholder programmes or initiatives

• Track record of building partnerships across government, industry, and academia

• Ability to translate complex research into actionable insights and programmes

• Experience developing new initiatives, platforms, or organisational capabilities

• Leadership experience in coordinating teams and delivering outcomes in ambiguous environments

 

Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

• Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc) 
• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities 
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. 

 

Eligibility: 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-
• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

 

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

 

Get in Touch:

For role-related queries please contact:
Debi Ashenden - Director, IFCYBER
d.ashenden@unsw.edu.au

For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Consultant
h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW  

For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra 
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra

 

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.