AI Security Lead

Job reference: PSX-028237
Salary: £59,139 to £70,579 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational unit: Professional Services
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Permanent
Division/Team: Information Security, Identity and Access Management
Hours per week: 1 FTE
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 07/04/2025
Contract duration: Permanent
School/Directorate: Directorate of IT Services

About This Role:

In this pivotal role, you will develop and implement robust security measures across our AI systems, technologies, and data.

Working closely with the CISO, the Information Governance Office, and diverse University stakeholders, you will design secure AI architectures and integrate security controls throughout the AI lifecycle—from development and deployment to continuous monitoring and incident response.

You will serve as the security partner for our three core AI subgroups—Research; Teaching, Learning & Students; and Professional Services—ensuring their innovative AI initiatives are built on a secure foundation.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to inclusive leadership—an approach that not only inspires diverse teams but also ensures every perspective is valued.

Our AI Security Lead will be the driving force behind our security strategy, blending technical expertise with an empathetic, collaborative mindset.

Your knowledge of machine learning tools and techniques, along with a awareness of emerging and evolving threats in AI systems, enable you to safeguard our innovations proactively.

Your ability to design secure, scalable data infrastructures will be matched by your talent for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll work seamlessly across teams, ensuring that our security frameworks reflect both technical rigor and the diverse needs of our community.

While certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor are highly desirable, we value a commitment to continuous learning and a growth mindset just as much—qualities that will help you excel in this dynamic field.

Representing the University in national and international forums, you’ll forge strategic partnerships and share best practices to stay ahead of emerging AI threats.

What we are looking for:

Academic & Technical Expertise:

• An MSc or PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, demonstrating deep knowledge of AI/ML principles, algorithms, and methodologies, with hands-on experience in developing and deploying AI/ML models.
• Proven experience in implementing and safeguarding information security systems within large organisations frequently targeted by threat groups.

Strategic AI Security Leadership:

• Experience in creating and implementing AI-focused strategies across a broad spectrum of services and functions.
• Proven track record with AI security technologies and their integration with wider business solutions.

Supplier & Negotiation Skills:

• Experience managing the risk-based supplier management lifecycle—from evaluation and procurement to ongoing operations.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to represent the University’s interests with suppliers and partner firms.

Industry & Regulatory Knowledge:

• Familiarity with information security management frameworks such as ITIL, COBIT, and NIST (e.g., NIST 800-53, Cybersecurity Framework).
• Preferable experience working within higher education, research settings, or with government bodies (e.g., NCSC, ICO).

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Please contact our IT Resource Management Team

Email: it.resource@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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