Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity

CSU Careers • San Marcos, CA

3d

About The Position

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at California State University San Marcos invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity position starting Fall 2027. The department seeks to strengthen expertise across cybersecurity, with priority for applicants specializing in system security, AI security, and emerging quantum technology areas such as quantum computing, quantum systems security, quantum communications, and post-quantum cryptography. Outstanding candidates from other cybersecurity areas will also be considered. Candidates whose research aligns with quantum science and technology may be eligible for enhanced start-up and summer support.

The successful candidate will contribute to a hands-on-focused, pedagogically innovative, and growing Cybersecurity degree program, and demonstrate a commitment to quality education. The university emphasizes student success and a teacher-scholar model, with a reduced teaching load compared with other CSU campuses to support research. The department is within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, is ABET-accredited, and is recognized by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

The position includes teaching undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity courses, developing curriculum, establishing a research program involving students, and service to the department, college, university, and community. The anticipated hiring salary is $9,000–$9,800 per month; the CSU classification salary range is $6,221–$13,224 per month. The position is based in California, and working in California is a condition of employment. The position is subject to employment, education, and reference verification and criminal-record checks.

Requirements

• Earned doctorate in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a closely related field; ABD candidates may be considered, but the terminal degree is required at appointment.
• Evidence of successful undergraduate teaching experience.
• Strong commitment and demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship.
• Ability to develop and sustain an independent research program, with evidence of publications in scholarly journals and/or conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with colleagues in the campus community.
• Applicants must work in the State of California as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated effectiveness in active learning practices in cybersecurity courses.
• Interest in and/or experience with curriculum assessment and CAE designation.
• Specialization in system security or AI security; priority is given to applicants in these areas.
• Demonstrated intercultural competence with diverse groups in teaching, research, and/or service.
• Expertise that expands the education and research opportunities currently offered by the department.
• Research expertise aligned with quantum science and technology; candidates may be eligible for enhanced start-up and summer support.

Responsibilities

• Teach cybersecurity courses at undergraduate and graduate levels in online, hybrid, and/or in-person modalities.
• Design and develop courses that expand the existing curriculum, working with industry and community partners to prepare students for the workforce.
• Establish an active research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in activities serving the department, college, university, and community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree