Chair in Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies

Posting Start Date

13/10/2026

Job Id

3292

School/Department

Computer Science

Work Arrangement

Full Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type

Permanent

Salary per annum (£)

£72,997 to £92,415

Closing Date

15/11/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The University of Sheffield invites applications for the position of Chair in Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies within the School of Computer Science. This prestigious professor-level appointment involves providing strategic leadership within the Security of Advanced Systems (SoAS) research group, as well as across the wider school and Faculty. The successful candidate will define the strategic direction for cybersecurity and emerging tech research, aligning it with national security priorities, the UK National Quantum Strategy, and the School’s overarching mission to expand its artificial intelligence, quantum and defence portfolios.

Providing leadership within the research environment, the Chair will develop a research group strategy to exploit clear opportunities within defence-relevant cybersecurity, and supporting technical domains (post-quantum cryptography and secure & trustworthy AI are of particular importance to us). This role offers significant opportunities for collaboration with the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), national stakeholders such as Defence and Science Technology Laboratory, funding agencies such as ARIA, the Sheffield Quantum Centre and the Centre for Machine Intelligence (CMI), and the regional advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

We seek a visionary leader to drive innovation in critical infrastructure protection, cyber-physical systems resilience, and AI assurance.

Main duties and responsibilities

Conduct independent and collaborative world-leading research, publishing outcomes in high-impact international journals and channels, including industry, academic and professional conferences.

Secure significant external funding to sustain and expand future research initiatives.

Lead research activities and build productive partnerships across the university, industry, and external stakeholders to drive knowledge exchange, consultancy, and measurable real-world impact.

Foster and demonstrate research impact. Undertake knowledge transfer activities and lead collaborative research and consultancy projects within the school, wider University and industry.

Design, deliver, and assess high-quality courses, embedding innovative teaching methods and encouraging critical discourse to enhance student learning.

Lead and implement new pedagogical/innovative approaches to teaching, and proactively support the implementation of teaching policy.

Lead, supervise and mentor research students and academic colleagues, cultivate a supportive team culture, and provide dedicated pastoral support to address student needs.

Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• Essential or desirable
• Stage(s) assessed at
• A PhD in computer science or a closely related discipline.

Application

High-quality publication record in internationally recognised, peer-reviewed journals and conferences, demonstrating an innovative research vision.

Essential

Application/ presentation

Proven track record of securing significant external grant funding.

Essential

Application/ presentation/ interview

High level of international standing and professional esteem, evidenced by key invitations, journal refereeing, and academic leadership within the field.

Essential

Application/ presentation/ interview

Experience developing and delivering high-quality teaching and curriculum at a variety of levels.

Essential

Application/ presentation/ interview

Effective academic leadership, including mentoring early-career researchers, conducting performance reviews, and providing peer/pastoral support.

Essential

Application/interview

Proven ability to contribute to the school strategy, academic governance, and the continuous enhancement of degree programmes.

Essential

Application/interview

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate productive collaborative working relationships.

Essential

Application/ presentation/ interview

Further Information

Grade

Professorial

Salary

• £72,997 to £92,415
• Work arrangement
• Full-time, working at least 60% on-site
• Line manager

Academic Line Manager

Direct reports

None

Right to work in the UK

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more informationhere to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on theUK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website

sheffield.ac.uk/cs

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Heidi Christensen, Head of the School of Computer Science, at [email protected] or on +44 114 222 1950.

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the first stage of the selection process will take place on Monday 7th December. This will consist of a presentation of your research interests and a mini-lecture, informal discussions with key members of staff, and a tour of the Diamond building. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to this stage in the week commencing 23rd November.

The second stage of the selection process will be a formal interview on Friday 18th December. The invited candidates will be notified soon after their presentation.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [email protected]

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave, including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata), with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.

A range of generous family-friendly policies

paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

access to menopause support in the workplace

paid time off and support for fertility treatment

and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.