Rank: Assistant Professor
Department: Computer Science and Information Systems
Starting Date: Spring 2026
The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at California State University San Marcos invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Cybersecurity starting Spring 2026. Priority will be given to applicants who specialize in system security and AI security. However, outstanding candidates from other areas within the field of cybersecurity may also be considered.
Candidates are expected to contribute to a hands-on focused, pedagogically innovative, and fast-growing Cybersecurity degree program, and committed to quality education in Cybersecurity. Centered on student success, California State University San Marcos values teacher-scholar model and offers a reduced teaching load compared to other CSU campuses to support research.
CSUSM campus is located on a scenic hillside 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and in the San Diego North County region, an area known for its temperate climate and growing technology industries. The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, within the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, is accredited by ABET and recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) Education.
Minimum Qualifications
- An earned doctorate in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a closely related field. (ABD status considered, however, terminal degree is required at the time of hire)
- Evidence of successful teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
- Strong commitment and demonstrated potential for teaching and scholarship excellence.
- Ability to develop and sustain an independent research program, with evidence of publications in scholarly journals and/or conferences.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with colleagues in an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated effectiveness in active learning practices in cybersecurity courses.
- Interest in and/or experience with curriculum assessment and CAE designation.
- Priority will be given to applicants who specialize in system security and AI security.
- Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate intercultural competence and a commitment to serving a diverse campus community as it relates to teaching, research, and/or service.
- In addition, preference will be given to applicants whose expertise will expand the education and research opportunities currently offered by the department.
Responsibilities
- Teach cybersecurity courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels in a variety of modalities, including online, hybrid, and/or in-person.
- Design and develop courses that expand the existing curriculum, working with industry and community partners to prepare students for the workforce.
- Establish an active research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students.
- Participate in activities serving the department, college, university, and community.
Application Procedure
Click Apply Now to complete the CSUSM Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:
- Cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Statement of teaching philosophy and experience.
- Statement of research accomplishments and research plan.
- Three professional references who will submit letters of recommendation upon request.
Review of applications will begin July 31, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, all applicant materials should be completed by the deadline.
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $8,750 - $9,583 per month
CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,221- $13,224 per month
The University is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for under-represented groups.
CSUSM has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and was recently named one of the top 32 Colleges most friendly to junior faculty by the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education. Visit Faculty Opportunities for more information.
California State University San Marcos is an Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to promoting diversity in all areas of the campus community. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, physical or mental disability, gender or sex, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation and veteran or military status.
Per the California State University’s Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is prohibited from hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. Working in the State of California is a condition of employment.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indication and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy, can be found at CSU COVID Policy. Questions should be sent to the Office of Human Resources at hr@csusm.edu.
This position is subject to employment verification, education verification, reference checks and criminal record checks. An offer of appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check, and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or Clery Act Notification can be found at Clery Act Notification.