Research Chair in Defence Capability and Security

Position Details

• Full Time | Five-year contract
• Academic Level E | AU$217,876 | 17% Superannuation
• Location: Tonsley / Kaurna Country /Australia
• View Position Description
• View Candidate Brochure

A Position with Impact:

Flinders University is at the frontline of defence-oriented research and is seeking an inaugural Cisco Research Chair in Defence Capability and Security. Based in Adelaide, Australia’s Defence State, and home to some of the nation’s most significant defence projects, investment and sovereign capability development, this is a nationally significant opportunity to lead research at the intersection of digital technology, defence and sovereign capability. With direct access to Cisco’s technology and global research network, you will be positioned at the centre of an environment where Defence, industry, technology and government are actively shaping Australia’s future capability.

Working in partnership with Cisco, the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Defence and Australia’s sovereign defence industry, you will establish and lead an applied research programme that translates emerging technologies into real-world defence capability. You will have the opportunity to shape research that advances AUKUS priorities, strengthens critical infrastructure resilience and builds Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

In this position, you will:

• Lead with impact: Establish and shape a high-profile applied research programme spanning AI, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing and/or cyber security, translating emerging technology into capability for Defence and industry.
• Work at the forefront of innovation: Partner directly with Cisco, the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Defence and sovereign defence industry, with access to Cisco’s next-generation networking, security, AI and IoT technologies and global research network.
• Build what comes next: Grow a team of researchers and HDR candidates, attract major research and industry investment, influence national conversations and help develop the sovereign technology capability Australia needs for the future.

This is a flagship academic appointment established under the Flinders-Cisco partnership to advance defence capabilities through world-leading research innovation and impact.

About You:

You are an established researcher, technology leader or senior defence practitioner with a strong track record in defence, national security or digital technology.

You will bring:

• A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline OR equivalent achievement at a senior practitioner level in defence industries or national security
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced manufacturing, AI, autonomous systems (maritime) or cyber security for defence.
• A strong record of research, industry or government-funded programmes and/or competitive funding.
• The ability to translate technical innovation into real-world capability outcomes.
• Established networks across Defence, government, industry and/or the broader technology ecosystem.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the credibility to engage across technical, Defence, industry and policy environments.

International and domestic candidates are welcome to apply. Eligibility and willingness to obtain an Australian Government security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1 or higher is highly desirable.

A Partnership Built for Innovation:

Flinders University and Cisco have established one of Australia’s leading university-industry partnerships in digital innovation and applied research. Since 2015, the partnership has evolved into an integrated ecosystem spanning world-class research, industry collaboration, student innovation, workforce development and translational impact.

Through a complementary national network of Cisco Chairs, Innovation Central Adelaide, and the National Industry Innovation Network (NIIN), the partnership provides a nationally connected innovation ecosystem that accelerates research impact and translation, industry collaboration, talent development and the adoption of new technologies to address complex industry challenges. As the Cisco Research Chair, you will be embedded within this dynamic ecosystem, connecting world-class research with Cisco technology, industry expertise and real-world opportunities to deliver impact in Australia and beyond.

Why Flinders University?

They say know your place.  We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments. Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• Recognised as the top 2% university worldwide, with research income soaring to $133 million in research contracts and grants.
• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers 
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre(Bedford Park, South Australia
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice 

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• Appointment to this role is conditional on the completion of required pre‑employment checks and declarations, each of which must be satisfactory to the University. This includes a Gender‑Based Violence declaration, in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender‑Based Violence (2025), and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. An NCCHC disclosable outcome will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role. 

How to Apply and Information

• You are required to submit a CV and a three-page Suitability Statement addressing the key position capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, we strongly encourage you to please contact Professor Michael Blumenstein via [email protected].

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACDT) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Certification

Applications to be submitted before 10.00pm:

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Flinders. Fearless.