Tenure track position in Data/Cyber Security (Computing Sciences)

The University of Vaasa creates an inspiring environment for meaningful work as part of a thriving and diverse university community. Our open-minded, multidisciplinary research responds to the challenges of our time and creates a more responsible future. Our internationally respected education gives students the skills and attitude to change tomorrow. The core of our university is made up of high-level expertise in business studies, technology, and administration and communication sciences. Scientifically grounded research is complemented by our phenomenon-oriented research platforms.

We are now inviting applications for a Tenure track position in Data/Cyber Security (Computing Sciences). 

The positions will be filled either as a fixed-term Assistant Professor or Associate Professor position within the Tenure track system, or as a permanent Professor position. The level is determined by the applicant's merits and career stage.

Background, job description and requirements

The School of Technology and Innovations provides internationally recognized engineering and business education and research. The School's research strengths include computer vision, artificial intelligence methods, positioning technologies and systems, distributed automation systems, smart grids, quality and technology management, logistics, blockchain technology and flexible energy resources.

School actively participates in a wide range of research activities at various levels. In computing sciences, we focus on cybersecurity management and security for critical infrastructures. We are deeply involved in both educational and research initiatives in cybersecurity, especially as it pertains to power system automation and handling of radio frequency jamming and spoofing. A few PhD degrees have been awarded by our institution in the fields of AI and cybersecurity. Broadly speaking, cybersecurity can be categorized into three main layers: 

1. Mathematics and Protocols of Encryption and Authentication:

• Focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical implementations of cryptographic techniques.
• Includes encryption algorithms, secure hashing, digital signatures, and authentication protocols.

2. Cybersecurity of Data, Data Centers, and Applications:

• Ensures the protection of data at rest and in transit, as well as the infrastructure that stores and processes this data.
• Involves securing databases, data centers, cloud services, and applications through measures like encryption, access control, firewalls, vulnerability management and redundancy (e.g. backups).
• Offers a secure computing and communication architecture that encompasses cloud, edge, and IoT devices, supported by security tools, robust computing, and intrusion detection methods.

3. Cybersecurity Management:

• Encompasses the policies, procedures, and strategies that govern the overall security posture of an organization.
• Includes identity and access management (IAM), incident response planning, compliance with regulations, security awareness training, and risk management.

This tenure track position is primarily focused on the second layer, involving the cybersecurity of data, data centers, and applications. However, broader knowledge of the other two layers will be considered an advantage in the selection process. This tenure-track position will significantly support both the degree programs and research activities in the Cyber-physical Systems research group in Computing Sciences. It will align with the university's vision to become a key anchor of cybersecurity in the Vaasa region and address critical industry needs.

The open tenure track position focuses on information, communication, and automation technologies, with a specialization in data science applications such as in space technology, robotics, data centers, logistics, blockchains, smart grids, or smart energy systems. Collaboration with all degree programs and research groups within the school is crucial. Cybersecurity is an essential component of critical infrastructure, necessary for creating trust and reliability. Additionally, working closely with the local industry ecosystem in Vaasa is vital.

You will be responsible for developing and teaching cybersecurity courses for B.Sc and master's level students. These courses should align with the objectives and vision of the school's master's programs. You will also support postgraduate programs and prepare seminars in cybersecurity and its applications. In addition to educational responsibilities, you will play a significant role in supervising master's and PhD theses. Furthermore, you will work within consortia to acquire external funding by writing high-level research proposals for national and international funding agencies in wide collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree and Scope: Doctoral degree in Computing Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field. 
• Area of Experience: Cybersecurity of Data, Data Centers, and Applications as described before. 
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices.
• Strong publication record in quality journals (Q1). 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, pedagogical and interpersonal skills.
• Strong programming and math skills

It is recommended that the candidate possess at least some of the following:

• Expertise in data protection for energy systems and robotics.
• Knowledge of Smart grids and SCADA
• Strong foundations in AI and Machine learning applications in cybersecurity
• Proven track record of securing research funding and managing projects.
• Strong experience in data science
• Knowledge of control systems, sensor integration, and autonomous navigation.
• Deep knowledge on critical infrastructures. 

ln the position of Professor, practical non-academic experience in the field is not required but can be considered beneficial.

The tenure track position is research-oriented, but also include teaching, thesis supervision, applying for external research funding, and university administrative tasks. The annual working time is 1612 hours based on the general collective agreement for Finnish universities and tasks are agreed in more detail in the Annual Work Plan.  

Applicants are required to have an appropriate doctoral degree together with excellent academic merits as well as evidence of high-quality research and teaching. For further detailed information about the requirements, criteria and our Tenure track procedure, please see: www.uwasa.fi/en/tenure-track

Salary and benefits

We are a truly international community of 5500 students and 650 staff members. We work in a unique environment at our maritime campus, with state of the art research laboratories and teaching facilities, located only a short walk away from the Vaasa city centre.

We invest in our employees' well-being and offer extensive occupational health care services, fitness and culture benefits, and a multitude of other activities to support well-being at work. Our flexible working hours and work options such as blended home/campus working contribute to a great work-life balance. Our commitment to support the career development of our personnel is visible in the broad offering of training and competence development opportunities.

The salary is based on both the job requirement and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System (YPJ).  The annual starting salary (incl. holiday contributions) is approximately  

• Assistant Professor: €51,500 - € 55,700
• Associate Professor: €59,400 - € 64,200
• Professor: €71,800 - € 87,500 

Each University of Vaasa employee automatically belongs to a pension scheme and the majority part of the pension contributions is paid by the employer. We also have a versatile reward system in use. If you are moving to Finland from abroad, relocation services are available.

Applications

Applications are submitted using the University of Vaasa's electronic recruitment system (See the ‘Submit an application’ button below). In order for applications to be processed, the application form must be filled out and the enclosures listed below must be attached to it. The application period is open until midnight (Finnish time, EEST) October 4th, 2024.

1. Attachments in English:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Research plan (max 5 pages):  the research plan should detail the ways in which the candidate would direct their research from the perspective of their own discipline towards the focus of the position described in this call for applications and the strategic focus of the University of Vaasa’s research. The plan must include a description of the phenomena concerned, the perspective on the applicant's own subject and the added-value to be realized from analyzing the phenomena as well as possible partners. lt is beneficial if the plan also includes potential sources of external financing (programs or similar) and a publication plan.
• Teaching portfolio (complementary to the teaching merits listed in the CV) 

2. In addition, numbered according to the publication categories in the list of publications:

• Copies of no more than 10 publications that the applicant wishes to be taken into account when evaluating their competence and qualifications. The publications can, if needed, be merged into a maximum of 7 pdf-files.

Further information

• The position is located in Vaasa, Finland.
• Starting date: March 2025 or as agreed. 
• The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a trial period of 6 months.
• More information about the position:
  • Dean Adam Raine Hermans, School of Technology and Innovations, tel. +358 29 449 8622
  • Professor Mohammed Elmusrati, School of Technology and Innovation, tel. +358 449 8275 
  • Email: firstname.surname (a) uwasa.fi
• Enquiries about the online application system: careers (a) uwasa.fi

****************

The position is located in the School of Technology and Innovations at the University of Vaasa. Read more about us: School of Technology and Innovations. 

The University of Vaasa is located on the West coast of Finland at the heart of one of the most thriving regions in Finland and the Nordic countries’ largest energy technology hub. The University of Vaasa is a valued partner in the hub, and well positioned to interact actively with the surrounding society – internationally and nationally. More information about working with us: 

• https://www.uwasa.fi/en/open-positions
• University of Vaasa's international rankings and accreditations 
• For new international employees at the University of Vaasa
• living in Vaasa: Vaasan kaupunki | Vasa stad | City of Vaasa
• living in Finland:thisisFINLAND