• Full-time, fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2025
• Based across Western’s campuses – includes 1 day per week at Hawkesbury, 2 days at any other campus, and 2 days working from home
• Play a key role in safeguarding the University’s systems and data from advanced cyber threats
• Drive continuous improvement in incident response, vulnerability management and threat intelligence

About Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University is a modern, forward-thinking, research-led institution at the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing and most economically significant region. With 11 campuses across Sydney and international locations in Vietnam and Indonesia—plus planned expansion in India—it serves nearly 50,000 students, 3,500 staff, and a global network of over 200,000 alumni. Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide, over 85% of its assessed research is rated ‘World Standard’ or above. The University is ranked #1 globally and nationally in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2022-2025) for its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About Cyber Security Assurance and Operations (CSAO)
CSAO is part of the Digital Services team and is dedicated to safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the University’s ICT systems. The unit works proactively and collaboratively with stakeholders to support business outcomes while maintaining a strong cyber security posture. CSAO is committed to delivering expert advice on cyber security, risk management, and responding effectively to incidents across the University.

About the Opportunity
CSAO is seeking a skilled and driven Senior Cyber Security Operations Specialist to join their growing team.

As a key member of the Cyber Security Operations team, you will play a pivotal role in protecting Western Sydney University’s systems and data from sophisticated cyber threats. You will lead the monitoring, analysis, and investigation of security incidents, and implement a broad range of security controls to safeguard the University’s digital environment.

This role is both hands-on and strategic. You will provide technical leadership, drive incident response initiatives, and contribute to ongoing improvements in cyber security operations.

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment until 31 December 2025. The preferred location for this role is the Hawkesbury campus, with a minimum expectation of one day per week on site. We are flexible with the remaining days, allowing up to two days at other campuses including Hawkesbury , and two days working from home.

Please review the position description for further information.

Key Responsibilities
As the Senior Cyber Security Operations Specialist, you will:

• Lead the development of monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and threat-hunting capabilities across on-prem and cloud environments.
• Coordinate post-incident reviews and forensic investigations, and update response plans based on lessons learned.
• Administer and optimise security tools (e.g., SIEM, Defender, EDR) to enhance detection accuracy and reduce false positives.
• Manage and monitor cyber security technologies, including firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR), email security, SSL certificate management, and identity protection software.
• Oversee Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 security, including alert management, identity protection, policy recommendations, and score improvements.
• Assess and prioritise vulnerability remediation efforts in collaboration with internal teams and service providers.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of operational processes, detection logic, playbooks, and CSOC standards.
• Provide investigative support to internal stakeholders on misconduct or legal matters as required.

Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for a proactive and experienced cyber security professional with strong technical expertise and a collaborative mindset. To be successful, you will have:

• A degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related discipline, and 4–5 years of extensive experience in cyber security within an operational engineering environment.
• Desirable certifications such as GCIH, GPEN, GCFA, AZ-500, SC-200, CISSP, CISM, or Security+.
• Demonstrated expertise in firewall management, endpoint protection, and administration of security platforms.
• Proven experience in incident response, threat detection, and security monitoring in complex environments.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM, EDR, endpoint protection, vulnerability management platforms, and cloud security tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Entra ID, Defender, Azure Security, and familiarity with threat intelligence frameworks such as MISP and MITRE ATT&CK.
• An understanding of secure SDLC, infrastructure-as-code scanning, secrets management, and CI/CD integration using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or GitLab CI.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, Essential Eight, and audit/regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Why Join us?
Western Sydney University highly values equity and inclusiveness and strives to contribute to tackling inequalities and promoting wellbeing. If you share our passion for creating a more equitable and inclusive world, join us in our mission to promote equity, inclusiveness, and wellbeing.

Joining our team comes with a range of exceptional benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and the option to work from home up to 2 days per week to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities, including secondments, structured training, and leadership programs to enhance your skills across the University
• Staff Benefits: Enjoy health and fitness programs like Fitness Passport, library facilities, staff discounts through partnerships such as those with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney Zoo, along with a wide variety of other goods and services.
  

Lead the front line of cyber defense at one of Australia’s most progressive universities. If you're ready to take your expertise to the next level, apply now and shape the future of secure digital learning.

Remuneration Package: HEW Level 9 $159,739 to $170,588 p.a. (comprising Salary of $134,981 to $144,149 p.a., plus Superannuation and Leave Loading).

Position Enquiries: Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Roxanne Pashaei, Director - Cyber Security Operation, via email [email protected].

Recruitment Enquiries: Specific enquiries or issues with your application may be directed to Tiana Woodward, Senior Advisor Talent Acquisition, via email [email protected].

Closing Date: 8:30pm, Sunday 13th July 2025.

Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. You must provide evidence of your working rights in Australia at time of application.

Please note, only those applications submitted via the WSU online recruitment system will be accepted.