Associate Lecturers in the School of Computing & Communications: Systems Security (M817)

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The role

We are looking to recruit several Associate Lecturers in the area of Systems Security, in the School of Computing and Communications at the Open University. The immediate need is to teach and assess on the Postgraduate module System Security (M817)

The position is part-time with most of the work on this module occurring between May and November. The workload is uneven but will average around 1 day a week during the teaching period, peaking during the marking. 

The proliferation of digital systems that impact on many aspects of our daily lives, have brought with them a range of challenges, including those relating to ensuring the security of these systems. Securing these systems above requires qualified technical cyber security professionals who have the knowledge and skills required to analyse the threats against the security of these systems, evaluate suitable solutions that minimise the risk of these threats being realise, and implement these solutions and monitor their efficacy.

Within the broader field of cyber security, these activities fall into the domain of systems security, which is the focus for this module. Students who complete M817 Systems Security will be able to:

• Analyse cyber security threats for different digital systems, using systematic methods (e.g., STRIDE)
• Evaluate the role of authentication, authorization and audit mechanisms, cryptographic techniques, methods for securing distributed systems, and techniques securing operating systems & virtualisation technologies; and
• Implement appropriate security mechanisms to mitigate the threats posed in different systems contexts.  
• Assess the effectiveness of different security solutions. 

The module will be organised into five blocks covering an introduction to systems security; cryptography; authentication, authorisation and accountability; operating systems and virtualisation security and distributed systems security. The main assessment component of the module will allow students to develop their own case study, enabling them to apply their learning to solve a problem that is important to their professional or personal context.

The position is home-based and has no fixed core hours. It is initially Fixed Term until April 2028 with a probation period of two years. The annual salary and workload are fixed, but there are significant workload peaks and troughs, mainly linked to providing marking and assessment feedback. This is likely to include exam and end of module marking tasks. Other tasks will be required such as focused student support (individual and forum), such as peer mentoring and working with the module team on assessment activities and quality improvement. Some evening and weekend work will be required. The appropriate level of FTE will be discussed at interview, and there is the possibility of increasing the FTE later. The starting full-time salary is £38,784 paid pro rata based on your FTE. Although most of the teaching occurs between May and November, the position is paid over the full calendar year.

We anticipate the contract will start between 20 April and 1 May 2026.

Person specification:

The person specification for this position should be read in conjunction with the generic person specification for an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should have:

• experience of designing and developing systems security solutions, drawing on knowledge of some combination of applied cryptography, authentication, authorisation and accountability techniques, operating systems, virtualisation and distributed systems security.
• an understanding of the underlying social, professional and technical issues relevant to systems security.
• the ability to assist students in developing their knowledge in this topic and in setting this knowledge in the wider context of cyber security.
• a relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent experience.
• awareness of current Standards and legislation.
• experience of teaching at postgraduate level.  
• the ability to grade assignments accurately and to provide constructive feedback to students.
• experience of teaching online or an understanding of the pedagogical issues surrounding online teaching.
• demonstrated ability to encourage students to engage with scholarship and independent study (including awareness of resources).
• experience of teaching systems security at postgraduate level.
• industry certifications in cyber security (e.g., CASP+, CISSP, CRTSA, etc).
• experience of teaching and assessment via an online environment.
• evidence of having taken the initiative to deliver better teaching and learning or to take advantage of new technology in teaching.
• a teaching qualification in relevant subject or HEA accreditation.

It would be an advantage to have:

What you get in return

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. To ensure they remain up to date with developments in their academic field, Associate Lecturers are allocated 6 days (pro-rata) per annum for AL-led (ie. self-directed) Academic Currency and 1 day, plus 5 days pro rata, per annum for Agreed Academic Currency and Professional Development. 

Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 27 days holiday per annum (pro rata) with variable (pro rata) Bank holidays and an attractive pensions proposition.

Tuition Delivery
Tuition delivery is online. 

How to apply

An application form and job-related information are available from the links located below. Any queries regarding the application process please contact AL-Recruitment on [email protected], quoting the reference number STEM-M817-2026.

Job related information:

AL Application Form

Generic Person Specification

Terms and Conditions

All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.

The University is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role as per the requirement laid out the UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK.

To work with us you will need access to the internet.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check or equivalent for their nation of residency.

Early closing date notification 
We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications. 

Email: [email protected]

An application form and job related information are available from the links located below. Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Recruitment team by email ([email protected]), quoting the reference number: STEM-M817-2026.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential.  We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.