Senior Lecturer in Computer Science

University College Cork

University College Cork is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact.

UCC has over 26,000 students from over 130 countries and over 3,000 diverse staff from all over the world. UCC is ranked in the top 1.5% of global universities, ranked 1st in the world for sustainability and the top Irish university for research impact and industry collaboration. UCC has a firm commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as demonstrated by a recent silver Athena Swan award. UCC is located on a beautiful, green urban campus within walking distance of the city centre of Cork. Cork is the vibrant second city of the Republic of Ireland, with one of the world's largest natural harbours and a beautiful Atlantic coastline, offering extensive recreational opportunities in close proximity of the city.

Role overview

Cybersecurity is an area of strategic research importance to the School of Computer Science and Information Technology and a focus area of teaching with a new MSc in Cybersecurity due to start in September 2026.

We are now seeking to appoint a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) to support the further development and delivery of this new MSc, engage in research that spans cybersecurity, cyber-physical security, data privacy, ethics of AI and IT.

The new Lecturer will report to the Head of School of Computer Science and Information Technology.

The successful applicant should be an active contributor to international publications, interdisciplinary collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the strategic ambitions of UCC Futures, particularly in areas of digital transformation, security, and society.

Key research themes include:

• Networks, Systems & Cybersecurity
• AI and Data Analytics

What we are looking for

We are looking for a world-class scientist with expertise in cybersecurity and specifically the intersection of AI and cybersecurity.

The candidate requires:

• Expertise in cybersecurity
• A track record of applying AI methods to cybersecurity problems
• Ability and desire to:

Research and teaching leadership

• Develop and lead research and teaching activities in Cybersecurity
• Establish and manage a world-class research team supported by competitive funding
• Supervise PhD students
• Publish in leading conferences and journals

Collaboration and impact

• Develop links between Computer Science and industry cybersecurity organisations
• Take leadership roles in cybersecurity nationally and internationally
• Contribute to strategic development of the school
• Represent the school at internal and external events

Strategic context (UCC Futures)

The role aligns strongly with UCC Futures, supporting interdisciplinary research across societal themes.

The appointee will contribute to:

• Research Futures in Networks, Systems & Cybersecurity
• AI and Data Analytics initiatives
• Collaborative research with national centres and industry partners
• High-impact publications and internationally recognised conferences
• Supervision of postgraduate researchers
• Development of innovative cybersecurity solutions

The role supports research-informed education, innovation, and UCC’s leadership in secure digital technologies.

Additional requirements

• Garda vetting and/or international police clearance may apply
• Ability to contribute to equality, diversity, and inclusion values
• Engagement with interdisciplinary and industry collaboration

Salary

Senior Lecturer Salary Scale:

• €84,749 – €120,082 (Scale B)
• €81,844 – €114,077 (Scale A)

Salary placement follows public sector pay policy.

Application details

• Applications must be submitted online via UCC recruitment portal
• Closing date: 12 noon (Irish Local Time), 9 June 2026
• No late applications accepted

Informal enquiries

Professor Dirk Pesch
Head of School
dirk.pesch@ucc.ie

Additional information

• Interviews may be online or in person
• Candidates may be asked to attend in person if initially interviewed online
• UCC is an equal opportunities employer
• Reasonable accommodation available during recruitment process