The Department of Computer Science at Northern Illinois University (NIU) seeks to hire tenure track Assistant Professors with expertise in Cybersecurity to join the new Cybersecurity program in August of 2025. Applicants should have an earned Ph.D. in cybersecurity or a closely related STEM field such as computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or electrical engineering with a focus on cybersecurity and its related topics by August 16, 2025.

The position involves assisting in curricula development, teaching the theory and practice of cybersecurity, including but not limited to, the security of computing systems and networking devices, cryptography, hardware and software security, communication system security, cloud and virtualization security, the usability of security, forensics, event remediation, security policy development and compliance, legal aspects related to cybersecurity, vulnerability assessment, risk and impact analysis, and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery.

NIU and the Computer Science Department value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We expect candidates to equally value these principles and to serve as active participants and allies in working toward DEI initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching undergraduate/graduate courses.
• Providing services to help develop and improve the cybersecurity program.
• Help develop the cyber range lab, virtual training labs, and hands-on classes.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and evaluate cyber training/education courses, methods, and techniques based on instructional needs.
• Deliver professional cybersecurity and workforce training.
• Create a focused cybersecurity area of scholarly research and students’ supervision.
• Help and support the program director’s efforts to get the program CAE-CDE designated and to secure external funding to support the program.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Candidates must have or expect to complete a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field by August 16, 2025.
• Candidates must have expertise or evident potential for quality teaching in cybersecurity at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Candidates must show evidence of, or potential for, publishing in premier peer-reviewed journals, developing an independent line of research, and securing external funding.

Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must have effective interpersonal communication skills and a commitment to working effectively and collegially in a multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A strong track record of cybersecurity experience in industry and/or government is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, industry partners, and the broader community.
• Ability to teach a wide range of Cybersecurity and Computer Science topics.

Salary:

• Commensurate with experience and qualifications. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Application Procedure:

Qualified individuals must submit as part of their application:

• Cover letter (2-page limit).

Should describe the candidate’s interest in the position and how their expertise links to the research and teaching mission of the new cybersecurity program.

• Curriculum vitae (no page limit)
• Research statement (3-page limit).

Should articulate current and proposed research topics, settings or application areas, and potential funding sources. Description of efforts to advance equity for diverse communities, including populations that are historically underrepresented or marginalized in the field, to provide a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for all students should also be included here.

• Teaching statement (2-page limit).

Should describe the applicant’s undergraduate and graduate teaching interests and experiences (both existing and future courses) and convey the candidate’s understanding of evidence-based teaching practices. Description of efforts to advance equity for diverse communities, including populations that are historically underrepresented or marginalized in the field, to provide a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for all students should also be included here.

• List of 3 references

All materials must be submitted at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/80622 by the priority date of December 1, 2024. Although priority review will commence after December 1, the search committee will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so applications submitted after December 1 are strongly welcomed.

A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an AA/EEO employer, NIU considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate based on gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.