Assistant / Associate Professor - Offensive Security & Cyber Operations

Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo Institution Dakota State University Working Title Assistant / Associate Professor - Offensive Security & Cyber Operations Posting Number F01962P Department DSU-Beacom College Physical Location of Position (City) Madison Posting Text

The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, benefits-eligible faculty position in Offensive Security and Cyber Operations beginning in Fall 2027 (August). The position will contribute to the continued growth of Dakota State's nationally recognized cybersecurity programs and its undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in Cyber Operations.

The successful candidate will teach and conduct research in offensive security and cyber operations, with emphasis in one or more areas such as software exploitation, reverse engineering, malware analysis, offensive network security, red teaming, assembly language, security tool development, embedded systems security, and mobile and network security.

Depending on expertise, the successful candidate may teach across the curriculum, from foundational and applied undergraduate courses to advanced graduate courses and will have opportunities to mentor graduate students and contribute to research in offensive security and cyber operations.

Academic rank will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, determined by the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach applied undergraduate and graduate courses in offensive security, cyber operations, and related technical areas.
• Develop and deliver rigorous hands-on labs and technical/experiential learning experiences.
• Mentor master's and doctoral students and serve on graduate research and dissertation committees.
• Develop an active research agenda in offensive security, cyber operations, or a closely related area.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research.
• Actively pursue external grants and sponsored research opportunities.
• Build collaborative relationships with industry, government, national laboratories, and other external partners.
• Contribute to the continued development of DSU's offensive cybersecurity curriculum and research, as well as student advising, university service, and recruitment activities.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cybersecurity, cyber operations, computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date. ABD candidates may be considered.
• Technical expertise in offensive security, cyber operations, or a closely related area.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Residence in South Dakota, or willingness to relocate to South Dakota, by the time of appointment. Exceptions may be considered when compelling programmatic or institutional needs justify an alternative arrangement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research, teaching, or professional experience in offensive security or cyber operations.
• Experience in applied, hands-on technical learning or research environments.

About the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

The Beacom College is a national leader in technology-focused education and research, with undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs spanning artificial intelligence, computer science, cyber defense, cyber operations, cyber and network security, data privacy, and related emerging technologies.

The College has particular depth in cybersecurity, with doctoral programs in Cyber Operations and Cyber Defense and extensive applied coursework and research in offensive and defensive cybersecurity. Dakota State University holds all three National Security Agency Centers of Academic Excellence designations in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research.

The College also supports growing programs and research in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary work at the intersection of cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

Information about DSU

Dakota State University is a special-focus STEM university emphasizing computing, information technologies, and cyber sciences across all areas of human endeavor. DSU has established a reputation as a distinguished regional and national leader in computer science and cybersecurity education and research. We embrace opportunities to provide our students, faculty, and future collaborators with the most innovative technologies and facilities, produce transformative research and development, and create an outstanding community of faculty, students, and programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

We are also home to the Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs), a cyber R&D hub with research clusters that explore and advance technology applications, workforce development, business expansion, economic growth, and policy improvement across multiple disciplines and fields. DSU also has a growing Applied Research Lab and is one of two state institutions in the Center for Quantum Information Science & Technology.

DSU holds three prestigious designations from the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Cyber Research, and Cyber Operations, making DSU one of only nine institutions that hold all three designations.

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. Employees receive 6% fully matched contributions and are vested after three years of service.
• Paid sick leave.
• Reduced tuition for education.
• Professional liability coverage.
• Paid family leave.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted beginning October 9, 2026 at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications must be submitted by November 11, 2026.

Posting Date 10/09/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date 11/11/2026 Advertised Salary Assistant Professor: 90K - 105K / Associate Professor: 106 - 115K. DOQE Duration of the Term 9 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100% Tenure Status Proposed Rank Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search Department Description and Cultural Expectations

In addition to the exciting professional opportunities at Dakota State University, employees will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Madison, South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the state, Madison offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating an ideal environment for work-life balance.

The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison's scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.

Madison's location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50 minute drive from South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and DSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing DSU-HumanResources@dsu.edu.

E-Verify, EOE.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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Physical Requirements

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Sensory Requirements

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Working Conditions & Exposures

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Working Environment

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Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
• Public Job Posting
• Internal Job Posting
• Agency Referral
• Advertisement/Publication
• Personal Referral
• Website
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Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List

Optional Documents

• Other