Description

The Department of Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University seeks a Director who will lead and teach in our new M.S. degree in Cybersecurity, with the position beginning in Spring or Summer 2026. 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 2026. 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 2026 – May 2027), 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.

Requirements

• 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.

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.

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
• Unofficial graduate transcript
• Tenure-track candidates should also submit a research agenda, which may be uploaded under “Optional Documents” on the employment.plu.edu website.