Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity (Tenure-Track)

The University of Tennessee Southern

About the University

The University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern) is a small public university established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College, founded in 1870. Located in Pulaski, TN, UT Southern stands as the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. It is the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and situated along Tennessee’s southern border, the campus is conveniently located about 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama. The over 1,000 students enrolled at UT Southern enjoy a private, small-college experience at an affordable, public-university cost. Low student-teacher ratios, high classroom personalization, and the resources of a land-grant university system are among the many advantages students experience. Nearly 30 academic programs are available through the schools of business, education, arts and humanities, mathematics and sciences, nursing, and social sciences. The UT Southern Firehawks, competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference, have 19 nationally competitive athletic teams. Both the women’s and clay target programs have recently won national championships.

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees recently approved UT Southern’s inaugural five-year strategic plan: Igniting Excellence. The strategic plan is built on three foundational pillars designed to guide UT Southern through its next phase of growth and development: enhance academic excellence and promote innovation; create transformational student experiences and foster student success; and establish greater connectedness and facilitate campus and community engagement.

The University of Tennessee Southern’s vision is to be the epicenter for education, community leadership, and workforce development in south-central Tennessee and a national model for higher education in rural America.

• The mission of the University of Tennessee Southern is to:
• provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences that are designed to prepare students for careers and lives of continued learning;
• promote a diverse and globally conscious learning community that nurtures intellectual, social, and personal growth; and
• serve the region through educational, social, and cultural programs and through community outreach and development.

The Opportunity

The University of Tennessee Southern enthusiastically invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity (Tenure-Track) in the School of Math and Science. Reporting to the Chair of the School of Math and Science, this person will teach courses, advise and mentor students, engage in scholarship, and provide service to the university and community. This is a full-time, in-person position beginning in August 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach a full load of courses (12 hours) determined by the School Chair;
• Engage in scholarship appropriate to the disciplines in the School of Math and Science;
• Provide meaningful service to the university and surrounding community;
• Mentor and advise students;
• Teach courses in Cybersecurity and Computer Science
• Establish productive student-oriented projects.
• Assist in the development of new courses and possible revisions of older courses.
• Develop online versions of courses.
• Serve on University, School, and Program committees.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the program through recruiting and advising efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate willingness and ability to work effectively with colleagues to support the mission of the University, College, and Program.
• Teach at times, places, and modalities to meet student needs.
• Adopt innovative teaching methods and delivery as appropriate.
• Possess the knowledge, talents, and skills in the discipline to promote effective teaching.
• Demonstrate respect to the diverse need of students.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement curriculum objectives and content for course offered and taught in one’s curriculum.
• Demand and maintain high standards and expectation for all students.
• Implement teaching activities and a diversity of teaching techniques, procedures, and resources including application of technology.
• Develop and implement evaluation and assessment techniques that are appropriate for each course.
• Be available, knowledgeable, and demonstrate proficiency in the practice of academic advisement of students.
• Engage in productive research and scholarly/creative activity within the discipline.
• Serve effectively on committees and other appropriate functions that assist in University governance.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related discipline or ABD; all degree requirements for Ph.D. must be complete by the date of hire.
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the community.
• Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity.
• Expertise in Cybersecurity or in areas of Computer Science related to Cybersecurity
• A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in Wireless Networking, Cryptography, Mobile App Programming, Reverse Engineering, Digital Forensics, or Network Security.

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a 1) cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role, 2) a CV/resume, and 3) a list of at least three professional references (include name, email, phone number, and nature of the relationship).

Application Link

Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/