Open Rank Professor and Director of the M.S. in Cybersecurity

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number:


Recruitment Type:
Open to All Applicants

Position Title:
Open Rank Professor and Director of the M.S. in Cybersecurity

Position Type:
Faculty

Benefits Status:
Benefits Eligible

FLSA:
Exempt

Hiring Range:
$75,000 to $140,000 per year + benefits package.

Location

Tacoma, WA 98447

Department:
Computer Science Department

Posting Date:
10/27/2026

Closing Date
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, 9 month tenure-track or non-tenure-track position available beginning Spring or Summer 2027. Teach 4 classes during the first academic year, and 3 courses in subsequent years, depending on the needs of the program. Administrative responsibilities: Director of the M.S. in Cybersecurity program. The academic year is from September to May.

General Description:

The Department of Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University seeks a Program Director who will lead and teach in our new M.S. degree in Cybersecurity, with the position beginning in Spring or Summer 2027. This position may be tenure-track (hiring at the level of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, based upon qualifications) or offered as a renewable fixed-term contract (visiting or resident). We are seeking a passionate, driven, motivated leader to take a pivotal role in shaping this program, including designing courses and aiding in recruiting students to launch the program in Fall 2027. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the program, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends. The selected applicant will join and lead an exciting new graduate degree, building upon PLU's existing Computer Science baccalaureate program. Applicants should be able to assume the responsibilities of teaching graduate-level courses in the program, further refining the curriculum, hiring faculty, marketing the program, and recruiting students.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Serve as Director for the M.S. in Cybersecurity program: design courses for the program; recruit and support faculty and students; manage the day-to-day operations in the program including budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation.
• Develop and teach 4 classes during the first academic year (September 2027 - May 2028), and teach 3 classes in subsequent years, depending on the needs of the program.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the MS in Cybersecurity curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry standards and emerging trends.
• Serve in the Computer Science Department and contribute to the larger life of the University through advising, committee work, and other service activities.
• Provide inspiring and visionary leadership to advance the M.S. in Cybersecurity program at PLU.
• Communicate effectively; collaborate effectively and constructively with colleagues within the Computer Science Department and across disciplines.
• Be committed to graduate teaching in a university that blends undergraduate liberal arts and graduate professional education.
• Have a clearly defined scholarship agenda relevant to cybersecurity (for tenure-track candidates).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong background in computer science and cybersecurity.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and anti-racist pedagogical practices.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for teaching at the graduate level within a liberal arts setting.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong understanding of current cybersecurity challenges and trends.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Evidence of teaching excellence and a demonstrated concern for improving the quality of their teaching.
• Demonstrated competence in scholarship, along with the potential for continued scholarly achievement (for tenure-track candidates).
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous teaching experience at the graduate level in cybersecurity.
• Previous leadership experience in a university or other professional setting.
• Active involvement in professional organizations related to cybersecurity.
• Experience in online or hybrid course delivery.

Work Conditions:

Physical Requirements:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply, please submit your application including:

• Cover letter;
• Curriculum vitae;
• A statement of teaching philosophy;
• List of three references with contact information;
• List of courses prepared to teach;
• Tenure-track candidates should also submit a research agenda, which may be uploaded under "Optional Documents.";

For questions or more information, please contact Laurie Murphy, Chair of Computer Science, at lmurphy@plu.edu.