Assistant Professor of Practice - Systems Administration

Dakota State University • Madison, SD

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University invites applications for a full-time, benefits-eligible Assistant Professor of Practice in Systems Administration. The position begins in Spring 2027 (January) or Fall 2027 (August) and supports undergraduate computing and cybersecurity programs by bringing current, real-world systems administration and enterprise technology experience into the classroom. This on-campus role is based in Madison, South Dakota.

The successful candidate will teach applied courses and provide hands-on learning focused on administering, securing, automating, troubleshooting, and maintaining modern computing infrastructure. Areas of emphasis include Windows and Linux systems administration, enterprise applications, network infrastructure, virtualization platforms, cloud technologies, scripting and automation, identity and access management, infrastructure security, and systems integration. The position also involves student mentoring, curriculum development, university service, recruitment, industry engagement, and appropriate scholarly, professional, or applied activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, information technology, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Significant professional experience in systems administration, enterprise infrastructure, or a closely related technical field.
• Technical expertise in Windows and/or Linux systems administration.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to teach on campus in Madison, South Dakota.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Experience administering enterprise or production computing environments.
• Experience across multiple areas such as networking, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, identity and access management, scripting and automation, or infrastructure security.
• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring others in technical environments.

Responsibilities

• Teach applied undergraduate and, as qualifications permit, graduate courses in systems administration, networking, infrastructure, and related areas.
• Develop technically rigorous, hands-on laboratories and learning experiences that reflect industry practices.
• Maintain and continuously update course content as technologies and professional practices evolve.
• Mentor students pursuing careers in systems administration, networking, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and related fields.
• Develop relationships with employers and industry partners.
• Contribute through curriculum development, student advising, university service, and recruitment activities.
• Participate in scholarly, professional, or applied activities appropriate to the position and academic rank.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, and health reimbursement account.
• South Dakota Retirement System, with 6% fully matched contributions and vesting after three years of service.
• Paid sick leave.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage.
• Paid family leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level