Assistant Professor - Computer Science and Informatics (Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing)

About the Role

De Montfort University Dubai invites applications for an Assistant Professor position specializing in Computer Science and Informatics, focusing on Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing. This role is embedded in the Faculty of Technology, Arts & Culture and entails contributing to delivering a robust, student-focused academic experience across Computer Science programs emphasizing cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and lab sessions emphasizing cybersecurity and penetration testing within Computer Science and Informatics disciplines.
• Create and implement practical cybersecurity exercises in secure laboratory settings, enabling hands-on student learning experiences.
• Design, develop, grade, and evaluate assessments following university standards and academic policies.
• Provide constructive and timely feedback to foster student learning, progress, and achievement.
• Utilize digital learning technologies alongside inclusive teaching methodologies suitable for diverse student demographics.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and dissertations in relevant cybersecurity and computing fields.
• Engage in curriculum and module design, routine reviews, and continuous enhancement to maintain academic rigor and relevancy.
• Ensure course content remains updated and reflective of technological advancements and industry best practices in cybersecurity-related areas.
• Offer expert knowledge in penetration testing, ethical hacking, network and system security, vulnerability assessments, and secure systems.
• Support students with academic advising, tutoring, and appropriate pastoral care referrals.
• Participate in research, professional scholarship, ongoing development, and active industry collaboration.
• Contribute to quality assurance activities, including assessment moderation, monitoring, program evaluation, and governance.
• Assist in student recruitment processes including open houses, induction programs, outreach initiatives, and other faculty campus engagements.
• Collaborate effectively with both academic colleagues and professional staff members to enhance program delivery and student experience.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computing, or a closely related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (Master's or equivalent) in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Completed PhD or Professional Doctorate in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Security, or closely related areas.
• All highest academic qualifications must be authenticated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education equivalency certificate must be held or obtainable.
• Demonstrable experience teaching Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related subjects in Higher Education environments.
• Hands-on professional experience in cybersecurity practices including penetration testing, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessment, or security testing in academic or professional settings.
• Proven expertise in designing and facilitating hands-on cybersecurity laboratory exercises using recognized industry tools in controlled environments.
• Experience in academic assessment tasks such as design, grading, moderation, and delivering effective feedback.
• Participation in curriculum and module development, validation, review, or enhancement initiatives.
• Comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts including threats, vulnerabilities, attack methods, protective controls, and defense strategies.
• Solid practical knowledge of penetration testing and ethical hacking methods involving scoping, reconnaissance, exploitation, reporting, and remediation activities.
• Familiarity with network, system security, web/application security, vulnerability analysis, and secure computing principles.
• Proficient in cybersecurity tools such as Kali Linux, Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit, or similar industry technologies.
• Awareness of legal, ethical, and professional obligations connected to cybersecurity and penetration testing.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex technical subjects for learner engagement.
• Strong digital skills and comfort with virtual labs alongside technology-enhanced teaching methodologies.

Desirable Attributes

• Teaching qualifications or recognition from Higher Education institutions, such as Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA).
• Professional cybersecurity certifications like OSCP, OSWE, CEH, CREST, CISSP, or GIAC.
• Experience overseeing undergraduate and postgraduate project supervision.
• Relevant practical experience in cybersecurity operations, consultancy, or penetration testing industries.
• Evidence of research output including publications, conference presentations, or applied scholarship within the discipline.
• Additional expertise in areas such as cloud security, digital forensics, malware analysis, security operations/SIEM, secure software development, or DevSecOps.

About De Montfort University Dubai

De Montfort University Dubai upholds an inclusive and professional environment striving to provide quality academic experiences for both students and staff. The successful hire will become a vital member of the Computer Science and Informatics faculty, contributing to delivering industry-relevant cybersecurity education, fostering student success, and enhancing curricular excellence.