CYBERSECURITY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Deadline to Apply: 31 July 2025

Background

Abdullah Al Salem University (AASU) is a newly established English-medium, research-based public university in Kuwait. AASU aims to provide an interdisciplinary environment for research and teaching. It also aims to nurture the development of novel and innovative solutions to address national and global challenges. AASU is accepting applications for faculty member positions for the Fall and Spring of 2025/2026.

The objective of the Cybersecurity and Digital Transformation Research Center in Kuwait is to advance the field of cybersecurity and facilitate digital transformation through innovative research and development. The center aims to protect digital infrastructures by developing state-of-the-art security solutions, fostering a secure and resilient cyber environment. Additionally, it focuses on driving digital transformation by exploring emerging technologies and their applications in various sectors, enhancing operational efficiency and digital resilience. By promoting collaboration among researchers, industry experts, and policymakers, the center seeks to address the challenges of the digital age, ensuring a secure and technologically advanced future for Kuwait.

AASU is hereby inviting applications for the ranks of Research Professor and Associate Research Professor for the 2025/2026 academic year. Candidates should have a proven track record for excellence in research, demonstrated by publishing high-impact papers and other applicable research outcomes.

 

Expectations, Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Faculty members selected for the Cyber Security and Digital Transformation Research Center are expected to provide in-depth expertise in cybersecurity and digital transformation, including teaching key concepts, current research trends, methodologies, tools, and practical applications. They are also expected to collaborate closely with different colleges at AASU, industry partners, policymakers, and academic peers to foster a culture of research excellence. Specifically, faculty members at the research center will be responsible for:

• Conducting and leading advanced research in cybersecurity, digital transformation, and related fields.
• Teaching and guiding students and researchers involved in the center’s projects, including offering specialized courses and workshops.
• Engaging in interdisciplinary research that addresses both fundamental and applied challenges in cybersecurity and digital innovation.
• Collaborating with national and international research institutions, industries, and government agencies to enhance the center's research impact.
• Securing funding through grants from local and international sources to support cutting-edge research and innovation.
• Publishing research findings in high-impact journals and presenting at leading conferences to elevate the center's academic profile.
• Mentoring students, fostering their academic and professional growth, and guiding them in research projects.
• Participating in the development and implementation of digital transformation strategies for various sectors.
• Contributing to community outreach and awareness programs on cybersecurity and digital literacy.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the center's director and university administration.

 

Required Qualifications

• The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Natural Sciences, Data Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science from an accredited university with a GPA of very good or equivalent.
• The applicants must have a Ph.D. in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or any related field.
• Applicants must have an active and continued proven track record of re-search, including high-quality publications in the relevant field in reputable refereed international journals listed and indexed in the Journal Citation Report (JCR)/ Scopus.
• The h-index (ISI/SCOPUS) should be no less than 20 for Research Professor ranks and 15 for Associate Research Professor ranks.
• Applicants should have a strong record of mentoring and supervising graduate student’s research.
• Applicants must have the potential to attract funding from external funding sources/agencies, both locally and internationally. The track record of research projects completion as PI or Co-PI is desirable.
• Applicants should have previous experience in administrative, academic, or executive committees at different levels in an academic institution.
• Applicants should possess a strong teaching record, including a minimum of four years of experience in teaching and graduate supervision at a recognized institution of higher education.
• Applicants should possess strong communication skills (in English), both written and verbal, as well as exceptional organizational skills, leader-ship skills in a multicultural and international environment with the ability to pursue and foster collaboration.
• All applicants' degrees must be listed in the National Bureau for Aca-demic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) or ap-proved by AASU.

 

 Required Experience

Full Research Professor

• A Full Research Professor must have Post PhD experience as a faculty member of not less than ten years in an accredited academic institution of higher education, listed in the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) or approved by AASU.

Associate Research Professor

• An Associate Research Professor must have post-PhD experience as a faculty member of not less than seven years in an accredited academic institution of higher education, listed in the National Bureau for Academic Accreditation and Education Quality Assurance (NBAQ) or approved by AASU.
   

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter - Introducing the applicant and stating what program and rank the applicant is applying for and why.
2. Updated and comprehensive CV, which should include information on employment history, teaching experience, committees and administrative experience, full list of publications, research activities and grants, students’ supervision, consulting, honors, awards, and others as applicable.
3. Scanned copies of all academic degrees and transcripts.
4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including the student evaluation records.
5. Statement of research interests.
6. Statement of teaching philosophy and interests.
7. Official documents of chronological experience.
8. Names/affiliation and contact details of at least three professional referees.
9. Copies of two citation reports (Web of Science and/or Scopus).

Authenticated copies of all degrees must be provided by shortlisted applicants.

Offered Benefits

• Tax free competitive 12-month salary.
• Extra 2-month salary for teaching the summer term.
• Attractive research incentives.
• Annual flight allowance for the faculty member and immediate family to country of origin.
• One time furniture allowance.
• University housing or housing allowance.
• Free government health care.
• Education allowance for a maximum of three children’s private school education (conditions apply).
• End of service indemnity compensation.
• Eligibility for getting children admitted to AASU free of tuition.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

These positions will remain open until filled.

For further details, contact: research.hiring@aasu.edu.kw