Description

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 2026. 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, 2026.

NIU and the Department of Computer Science value community and belonging. We expect candidates to equally value these principles and to serve as active participants and allies in working toward these goals.

NIU is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

This 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teaching, Scholarship, acquiring external funding, mentoring students, and service;
• Lead Ph.D. dissertations and M.S. theses and guide undergraduate students in research projects and capstones
• 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.
• Creating a focused cybersecurity area of scholarly research and student supervision.
• Help and support the program director’s efforts to get the program CAE-CD designated and to secure external funding to support the program.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience and qualifications, and are guided by a CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Application Procedure:

For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/90503 to create an application profile and submit the following materials before April 01, 2026:

• 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
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment)

Although priority review will commence after April 01, 2026, the search committee will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so applications submitted after April 01, 2026 are strongly encouraged.

Requirements

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, 2026.
• Have expertise or evident potential for quality teaching in cybersecurity at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• 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.

EEO Statement Summary

 In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.