Open Rank (Lecturer Track) in Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems and Founding Program Director

Posting Details

Position Details

Title Open Rank (Lecturer Track) in Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems and Founding Program Director Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Columbus Columbus Location Columbus Position Summary

Position Summary

The Division of Behavioral, Health, and Life Sciences at Indiana University Columbus invites applications for a full-time, open-rank non-tenure-track faculty position in Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems. The successful candidate will be rank of Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, or Teaching Professor, depending upon qualifications, experience, and the applicable Indiana University and academic-unit criteria.

The successful candidate will also receive an initial administrative assignment as Founding Program Director for the proposed B.S. in Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems. The position reports to the Head of the Division of Behavioral, Health and Life Sciences.

The proposed 120-credit Bachelor of Science program is designed to prepare students to secure computing systems that monitor or control physical processes. It combines foundations in programming, data structures, operating systems, networks, databases, distributed systems, cloud computing, cryptography, and cybersecurity with required study of embedded and real-time systems, industrial controls, hardware and firmware security, wireless and Internet-of-Things security, operational-technology incident response, security architecture, verification and validation, and system resilience.

The program is intended to serve advanced manufacturing, connected products, automotive and engine systems, industrial automation, robotics, material handling, utilities, healthcare technology, logistics, and other critical-infrastructure environments. Hands-on learning will include laboratory-intensive courses, CPS Security Studios, an isolated instructional cyber range, embedded devices, PLC/HMI equipment, industrial protocols, robotics or equivalent CPS platforms, and a two-semester applied capstone.

The anticipated Spring 2027 assignment will focus primarily on program finalization, student recruitment, curriculum and course development, laboratory planning, partner engagement, and implementation. The initial semester is not expected to include a regular classroom teaching assignment. Following program launch, teaching will be a central responsibility of the position, accompanied by an administrative course release for program leadership.

This is a 10-month academic appointment with a preferred start date of January 1, 2027. Summer program-development and launch responsibilities may be assigned and compensated separately through a summer stipend, subject to approval and available funding.

The position is based at IU Columbus and requires regular on-campus presence for program leadership, recruitment, student engagement, laboratory development, and face-to-face classroom and laboratory instruction.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation

Under the direction of the Division Head, the Founding Program Director will:

• Coordinate final development and implementation of the B.S. in Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems.
• Lead preparation and coordination of new-course proposals, CARMIn submissions, remonstrance materials, catalog information, and curricular documentation.
• Coordinate development of course schedules, prerequisite sequences, degree maps, and the staged course rotation.
• Develop and maintain program assessment processes, curriculum maps, direct-assessment plans, and documentation required for university and state review.
• Coordinate laboratory and cyber-range planning, including equipment selection, instructional environments, safety and authorized-use expectations, and integration of laboratory resources into the curriculum.
• Support implementation of the program's Market Launch Plan, including student recruitment, information sessions, school and career-center outreach, campus visits, and laboratory demonstrations.
• Coordinate development of advising, transfer, credential, career-pathway, and student-success materials.
• Assist with future faculty searches and coordinate the contributions of program faculty under the direction of the Division Head.
• Coordinate program review, annual reporting, and continuing curriculum improvement.
• Participate, as assigned, in planning and stewardship of externally supported equipment and laboratory resources.

Teaching and Student Success

The faculty member will:

• Teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses supporting the program.
• Develop and teach laboratory-centered, project-based, and applied learning experiences.
• Teach introductory programming or information-infrastructure coursework and courses in multiple areas of cybersecurity and cyber-physical systems.
• Advise and mentor students entering through first-year, transfer, adult, veteran, and technical-career pathways.
• Support student retention, progression, credential preparation, career exploration, and timely degree completion.
• Supervise or coordinate studios, applied projects, capstones, internships, or employer-informed learning experiences.
• Use appropriate in-person, blended, and Canvas-supported instructional practices while maintaining the program's required face-to-face laboratory experiences.

External and Institutional Engagement

Under the direction of the Division Head, the faculty member will:

• Coordinate an employer and education advisory group for the program.
• Develop productive relationships with employers, school corporations, career and technical education programs, community colleges, community organizations, and professional associations.
• Support transfer-pathway development and continuing coordination with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.
• Coordinate employer-informed projects, guest speakers, facility visits, internships, co-ops, capstone opportunities, mentors, and career activities, subject to partner capacity.
• Represent the program at recruitment events, professional meetings, community forums, and appropriate university activities.
• Participate in faculty governance and service appropriate to the appointment.

Professional Activity

This is a teaching-focused appointment and does not require a traditional disciplinary research agenda. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain professional currency and engage in scholarship or professional activity that supports teaching, curriculum development, applied student learning, industry collaboration, and the mission of IU Columbus.

Appointment Contingency

This position, the Founding Program Director assignment, and the anticipated January 2027 start date are contingent upon final program approval, continued institutional authorization, and the availability of funding.

About Indiana University Columbus

Indiana University Columbus offers accessible Indiana University degree programs in Columbus, Indiana, and serves students and communities throughout south-central Indiana. The campus emphasizes student success, career-connected education, community engagement, transfer access, and collaboration with regional employers and education partners.

The region provides an especially strong setting for a Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical Systems program because of its concentration of advanced manufacturing, engineering, connected-product development, automation, logistics, healthcare technology, utilities, and other critical-infrastructure activity.

Basic Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following educational and professional preparation pathways:

• A terminal degree in computer science, cybersecurity, computer engineering, electrical engineering, informatics, information technology, systems engineering, or a closely related field by the appointment date; or
• A master's degree in a relevant field together with substantial professional experience in cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, operational technology, embedded systems, industrial automation, connected products, or a closely related area.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Relevant academic or professional expertise in cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, operational technology, embedded computing, critical-infrastructure protection, or a closely related field.

• The ability to teach introductory programming or information-infrastructure courses.

• The ability to teach in at least two of the following areas:

• Cybersecurity foundations;

• Computer networks and network security;

• Operational technology or ICS/SCADA security;

• Embedded systems and microcontrollers;

• Real-time operating systems;

• Industrial automation and controls;

• Hardware and firmware security;

• Wireless and IoT security;

• Secure software development;

• Incident response or digital forensics;

• Security architecture and critical-infrastructure resilience;

• Verification, validation, testing, quality, or functional safety; or

• Applied cryptography.

• Evidence of, or clear potential for, effective undergraduate teaching and student mentoring.

• The ability to develop applied, project-based, or laboratory-centered learning experiences.

• The ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, employers, educators, and community partners.

• The ability to perform the position's responsibilities through regular on-campus presence at IU Columbus.

Department Contact for Questions

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Kimdy Le, Division Head, kimle@iu.edu.

Additional Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Successful teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

• Experience developing or teaching hands-on laboratories, studios, cyber ranges, or project-based technical courses.

• Experience with one or more of the following:

• PLC and HMI platforms;

• Industrial protocols and networks;

• Embedded devices and microcontrollers;

• FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or comparable real-time operating systems;

• Hardware and firmware security;

• Robotics or autonomous systems;

• Wireless and IoT environments;

• Automotive, material-handling, or connected-product networks;

• Hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop testing;

• Digital forensics or evidence-preservation environments.

• Professional experience in advanced manufacturing, automotive or connected products, engineering services, utilities, healthcare technology, logistics, material handling, building systems, or another critical-infrastructure sector.

• Familiarity with NIST operational-technology guidance, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the NICE Workforce Framework, ISA-95, ISA/IEC 62443, secure systems engineering, verification and validation, functional safety, business continuity, or system resilience.

• Experience with curriculum development, new-program implementation, academic assessment, accreditation or designation preparation, faculty coordination, or academic administration.

• Experience developing employer-sponsored projects, internships, co-ops, applied research, or capstone experiences.

• Experience recruiting and supporting students in a new or emerging technical program.

• Experience developing transfer pathways or working with community colleges, high schools, career centers, or career and technical education programs.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with employers, professional associations, schools, or community organizations.

• Relevant industry credentials, including Security+, Network+, Linux+, CCNA, GICSP, ISA/IEC 62443 certificates, CISSP, or comparable credentials.

• Experience teaching and mentoring students with varied educational, professional, and technical backgrounds.

Salary and Rank Open Rank - Lecturer Track Special Instructions

Application Process

Applications received by October 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A letter of application addressing:

• Interest in the position;

• Relevant teaching experience;

• Technical or professional expertise;

• Experience relevant to building and launching the proposed Program.

• A current curriculum vitae.

• Maximum of 3 pages summarizing qualifications and interest.

• A statement of teaching philosophy and practices.

• A two- to three-page statement describing the applicant's approach to:

• Program development and implementation;

• Laboratory-based technical education;

• Student recruitment, success, and retention;

• Employer, education-partner, and community engagement

• Names, titles, email addresses, and telephone numbers for three professional references.

Applicants may also submit evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as course evaluations, peer observations, teaching awards, or other appropriate documentation. Letters of recommendation will be requested only from candidates who advance to a later stage of the search.

https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34359

For Best Consideration Date 10/15/2026 Expected Start Date 01/01/2027 Posting Number IU-101691-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Have you previously been employed with IU?
• Yes
• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application
• Evidence of Teaching Ability
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• List Of References

Optional Documents