Postdoctoral Research Associate_Security Applications for Data Provenance

• Full time fixed term for 12 months at Camperdown

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cybersecurity research

• Base Salary Level A $117,936 - $125,896 + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Computer Science at the University of Sydney is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate – Security Applications for Data Provenance. This role offers the opportunity to undertake high-impact research in computer security, with a particular focus on advancing methods for analysing and securing system telemetry and provenance data.

You will work closely with leading researchers to design, develop, and evaluate novel approaches to Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), threat investigation, and causal analysis of audit logs and event telemetry. The successful candidate will also contribute to scholarly publications and collaborative research projects within the broader cybersecurity research community.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• conduct independent and collaborative research in cybersecurity, focusing on data provenance and system security

• design and evaluate techniques for endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems

• perform threat investigation and causal analysis of audit logs and event telemetry

• publish high-quality research outcomes in leading security and privacy conferences and journals

• contribute to grant applications and research project development

• engage with academic, industry, and open-source communities where relevant

About you

• PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline

• demonstrated research experience in endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat investigation, or audit/event log analysis

• strong track record of first-authored publications at top-tier security and privacy venues (e.g. IEEE S&P, USENIX Security, ACM CCS, NDSS)

• expertise in causal analysis techniques and/or security telemetry data analysis

• experience contributing to industry or open-source cybersecurity projects (preferred but not essential)

• excellent programming and analytical skills relevant to cybersecurity research

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Deepna Chand, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au .

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Thursday 30 July 2026 11:59 PM