Instructor of Cybersecurity

West Virginia State University

Founded in 1891, West Virginia State University (WVSU) is a public-land grant institution, which was originally founded as a historically black university, but which has evolved into a fully accessible, diverse, and multi-generational institution serving approximately 2,600 students. WVSU offers 23 undergraduate and 6 graduate degrees, along with one doctoral degree. WVSU competes in athletics at the NCAA Division II level in 7 men’s sports and 8 women’s sports. WVSU is located in Institute, WV, a suburb of Charleston, the largest city and the capital of West Virginia. With more than 200,000 people living in the metropolitan area, it is an active, exciting and engaging community, boasting cultural and historical events, music, festivals and entertainment.

Cybersecurity Innovation Center

The cybersecurity program at WVSU has developed into a comprehensive, hands-on academic pathway with the introduction of a four-year bachelor’s degree focused on preparing students to secure modern digital and critical infrastructure systems. This effort is anchored by the Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC), which serves as a hub for research, workforce development, and applied training through advanced lab environments including CyberHive, CyberCity, KITE, and HoneyNet, each designed to replicate real-world cyber-physical and enterprise security scenarios. The program is supported by multiple grants from various governmental agencies and industry, and integrates artificial intelligence across its curriculum and research activities. Students also gain practical exposure through applied projects with community partners, including participation in a Google-funded cybersecurity clinic, the first and only of its kind in West Virginia.

Position Description

The Department of Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science at West Virginia State University invites applications for a full-time (non-tenure-track) Instructor of Cybersecurity position starting Fall 2026. This position is renewable annually, depending on teaching performance and institutional need. We are seeking candidates who have a passion for teaching and student success.

The Instructor of Cybersecurity is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in cybersecurity and computer science while contributing to student success and workforce readiness. The position emphasizes excellence in teaching, applied learning, and student engagement, with additional responsibilities supporting undergraduate research and externally funded initiatives. The instructor will collaborate with faculty and staff to advance program goals, maintain a relevant and current curriculum aligned with industry standards, and support the growth of cybersecurity education within the department.

The workload for this position is structured as follows: 50% teaching (equivalent to 15 credit hours per academic year - typically 3 courses in one semester and 2 in the other), 25% research support, including student research supervision, and 25% grant support and service as an assistant to the Cybersecurity Innovation Center (CIC) Director.

The Department offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Mathematics, and a Master of Science degree in Computer Science.

Responsibilities for the Instructor of Cybersecurity

The instructor will teach 15 credit hours per academic year (typically 3 courses in one semester and 2 in the other), including elementary computer science and cybersecurity courses. Courses may be delivered in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats depending on departmental needs. Responsibilities include effective course design, delivery, and assessment across instructional modalities, as well as maintaining regular office hours and providing timely feedback to support student learning. The instructor is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to high-quality undergraduate teaching, foster student success, and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Additional responsibilities include participation in curriculum development and continuous improvement of academic programs.

The instructor will mentor and supervise student research projects under the guidance of the CIC Director, fostering hands-on learning, critical thinking, and professional skill development. This includes assisting students in project design, implementation, and presentation, while supporting applied, student-centered research initiatives aligned with the mission of the CIC. The instructor will collaborate with the CIC Director to ensure projects are meaningful, well-structured, and contribute to workforce readiness and community engagement.

The instructor will support grant-funded activities by assisting with project coordination, implementation, and reporting requirements. Responsibilities include contributing to the execution of grant objectives, maintaining documentation, and collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure successful outcomes. The instructor will have opportunities to engage in applied research, contribute to scholarly outputs, and participate in grant proposal development in collaboration with the CIC Director and other faculty.

For questions, please contact the CIC Director at ali.alsinayyid@wvstateu.edu

Requirements for the Instructor of Cybersecurity

A master’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required. The successful candidate is expected to have some post-secondary teaching experience.

Preferred qualifications include knowledge of cybersecurity, AI utilization in cybersecurity, securing AI systems, and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Experience with research and grant-supported activities is a plus.

The successful candidate will need to complete a background check.

Benefits of Full-Time Employment West Virginia State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and work-life balance of its employees. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance through PEIA with prescription coverage, access to wellness programs, and the option to enroll in dental, vision, hearing, and other supplemental insurance plans. Employees may also participate in health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.

The university provides employer-paid basic life insurance and offers optional additional coverage. Retirement benefits are provided through the TIAA retirement plan with a 6% employer match for employees contributing 6% of their salary.

Full-time employees accrue (two days of annual leave and one and a half days of sick leave per month as applicable) along with eligibility for family medical leave, military leave, workers’ compensation, and unemployment coverage. Additional benefits include educational assistance opportunities, access to the university’s Employee Assistance Program, and other university amenities.

To Apply:

First consideration will be given to applicants who submit a resume, cover letter, academic transcripts, and the names and email addresses or phone numbers of three professional references by May 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.

Please submit application materials via email to jobs@wvstateu.edu or mail to:

West Virginia State University

Department of Human Resources

P. O. Box 1000, 324 Ferrell Hall

Institute, WV 25112

West Virginia State University conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.