Professor of Practice in Cyber Security

Professor of Practice, Cyber Security 

The Department of Computer Science at Aalto University invites applications for a Professor of Practice position in the field of Cyber Security. This is a fixed-term position for five years funded by a donation to Aalto University Foundation. Applications are accepted for both full-time and part-time work. The Professor of Practice is expected to 

• conduct collaborative research on cyber security with both academic and practical impact,  

• work with industry to develop cyber security solutions and expertise, 

• broaden the scope and audience of cyber security education offered by the department, 

• supervise student projects and research in the cyber security field.  

At the Department of Computer Science, the selected person will be invited to join the Secure Systems research group and to work together with the group on these goals. 

The position is funded by a donation from a consortium that comprises the city of Kotka, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk), and private companies and foundations with an interest supporting the economic development and competitiveness of Kotka and the Kymenlaakso area. The Professor of Practice is expected to collaborate with companies in this geographical area, for example, on the security of logistics and maritime systems. The professor is also expected to contribute to cyber-security teaching at Xamk. Aalto University and Xamk will provide help for finding the industry contacts, and the teaching will be planned jointly with other teachers so that it serves students at both universities and the broader audience. 

Requirements 

The Professor of Practice position in cyber security is intended for highly qualified business or public-sector leaders and experts who bring practical expertise and societal knowledge to the university, and who can transfer academic research skills and results from the university to the application areas. The applicants will be evaluated based on (1) their industry experience and demonstrated societal impact, (2) research achievements and potential in relation to their career stage, (3) teaching merits, and (4) activity in the scientific community. We particularly value research that both produces top-tier publications and solves real-world engineering problems.  

All applicants are expected to have a doctoral degree at the time of starting in the position, relevant industry experience, and expertise in cyber security. Communication skills in Finnish are an advantage but are not required.  

Professors of Practice often retain their existing industry affiliations during their time at the university. While the open position is for full-time work, we will also consider applicants who wish to work part-time. Note, however, that the work includes cooperation with multiple companies and spending time at both Aalto University campus in Espoo and Xamk campus in Kotka.  

How to Apply? 

Submit your application electronically through our recruitment system. Applications will close on October 16, 2022, at 23:59 EET (UTC+2). The application material must be in English and must include the following attachments in PDF format (max 5MB per file). 

• motivation letter including a summary of merits and most important achievements, 

• curriculum vitae (recommended length 2 pages), 

• research statement (recommended length 2-4 pages), 

• teaching statement (recommended length 2 pages), 

• list of publications (please highlight the five more most important ones and include copies or links to the downloadable publications). 

In the application form, you need to provide the names, positions, affiliations, and email addresses of 2-3 persons available for recommendation letters. These should include senior academics. We may contact them directly for the recommendation letters at a later stage in the application process. 

You will also be asked to specify whether you prefer a full-time or part-time position (with approximate part-time percentage).  

If you are already working at Aalto University, please apply internally via your Workday profile.  

Short-listed applicants will be invited to present and discuss their research with the faculty at Aalto University and to visit the Xamk campus in Kotka. The short-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to submit a longer research statement, and they will be asked to prepare a more detailed teaching portfolio. 

While all applications submitted by the deadline will be appropriately considered, Aalto University reserves the right to consider also other candidates for the announced position.  

Further Information 

Please contact professor Tuomas Aura ([email protected]) on questions related to the work and research environment, and HR partner Laura Kuusisto-Noponen ([email protected]) on questions related to the recruitment process. 

The Department 

The Department of Computer Science (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-computer-science ) is home to world-class research in modern computer science, combining research on both foundations and innovative applications. An international community with 47 professors and more than 400 employees from 45 countries, it is the largest department at Aalto University and the largest computer science unit in Finland. The department consistently ranks high in global rankings, for example, the first in Nordic countries and 79th worldwide in Times Higher Education subject ranking 2022. 

The department works actively to ensure the diversity and inclusiveness of our community. We warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join us. We offer competitive salaries to new faculty. The contract includes occupational health benefits. For international hires, we offer relocation services. 

Aalto University and Finland 

Aalto University offers assistance with the relocation process, including finding housing and kindergartens and schools. In addition to world-class research at the Department of Computer Science, Aalto University has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and 400 professors committed to building both foundations and innovative applications that shape the future through science, technology, art, and business. There are excellent opportunities for collaboration with local partners at both Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. 

In addition to its strong academic community, the Helsinki region is a vibrant technology and innovation hub with easy access to major partners both private and public. The Department of Computer Science is located at the main Otaniemi Campus of Aalto University, 15 minutes from the center of Helsinki by public transport. Virtual campus tour at the Aalto University campus: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/ . More information about Helsinki:https://welcome.helsinki/   

Finland tops international rankings in education, equality, safety, and quality of life. Finland is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world; design, creativity, and startup culture are also important. Finland is a great place for living with or without family. It is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society, where equality is highly valued, and corruption is low. Extensive social security supports people in all situations of life, and Finland’s free high-quality education system is internationally acknowledged. In Finland, a low level of hierarchy is a cultural asset in working life and society. Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world in 2018–2022 according to the World Happiness Report (https://worldhappiness.report/ ). 

More information about living in Finland:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/why-finland
https://www.infofinland.fi/en/frontpage