Assistant/Associate Professor - Computer Science / Cyber Defense

Posting Text

Due to unprecedented growth, The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, invites applications for multiple tenure-track, full-time (9-month), benefits-eligible faculty positions beginning in Spring 2026 (January) or Fall 2026 (August).

The successful candidate will teach and conduct research in the following areas Computer Science, with emphasis in software development, algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and operating systems; and/or Cyber Defense, with primary emphasis in data privacy, and additional knowledge in cybersecurity policy and governance, ethics and legal issues, risk management and security program development, incident response management, security metrics and decision support, wireless security, cryptography, networking, cybersecurity risks and auditing, and Operational Technology (OT) – specifically SCADA systems.

Applicants must clearly indicate their primary area(s) of interest in their cover letter – either Computer Science or Cyber Defense. Academic rank will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of applied undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Mentor graduate student research, especially at the doctoral level
• Conduct and publish high-quality research.
• Actively pursue external grants and funding opportunities.
• Contribute through student advising, university service, and recruitment activities.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related discipline prior to the appointment start date (ABD candidates may be considered).
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Residence in South Dakota, or willingness to relocate to South Dakota, by the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching or developing courses with technical, hands-on exercises, and labs.
• Strong potential for scholarly research, publication, or success in attracting external funding in areas related to Computer Science or Cyber Defense.

About the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
The Beacom College is a leader in technology-focused education, offering:

• Five undergraduate programs: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Game Design, Computer Science, Cyber Operations, and Network & Security Administration.
• Three master’s programs: M.S. in Artificial Intelligence, M.S. in Computer Science, and M.S. in Cyber Defense. Programs in Cyber Operations and Data Privacy are in development.
• Three doctoral programs: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Ph.D. in Cyber Operations, and Ph.D. in Cyber Defense. A Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence is currently in development.
• Specialized programs in Quantum Computing: an undergraduate minor and a graduate certificate in Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity, supported by active faculty and student research.

Information about DSU:
Dakota State University is a special focus STEM university with an emphasis in computing information technologies and cyber security across all areas of human endeavor. Over the years, DSU has established its 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, to produce transformative research and development, and create an outstanding base of faculty, students, and programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. DSU holds three prestigious designations from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Cyber Research.

Among the exciting milestones at Dakota State was DSU RISING, a major public-private partnership and gift-driven campaign completed in two phases, totaling $130 million. DSU RISING produced several transformative opportunities and facilities on campus, including the Beacom Institute of Technology, the Madison CyberLabs (cyber-related research and technology application across many industries), the Applied Research Lab (DSU-ARL), and the Paulson Cyber Incubator and Entrepreneurial Center.

The campaign also funded new initiatives such as the expansion of DSU’s Applied Research Corporation (DARC) to a new facility in Sioux Falls, growth in the number of graduates from the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, and the launch of the statewide Governors Cyber Academy (a K-12 cyber education program).


Benefits:

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