Cybersecurity Course Instructor
Role
The Cybersecurity Course Instructor will be responsible for teaching and facilitating courses in the Cyber Lab cybersecurity program. The Instructor must have skills to build labs, produce capstones, and use blended learning techniques to include reverse learning objectives. The instructor will develop and deliver curriculum aligned with both academic goals and industry standards. This role requires in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, tools, and best practices. The instructor will also ensure that the courses are engaging, hands-on, and aligned with the latest developments in the field. In addition, the instructor will manage lab environments, provide mentorship, and assess student performance.
This position ensures a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of cybersecurity careers while aligning with industry standards and evolving threats. The ideal candidate is passionate about teaching and cybersecurity, ready to contribute to a growing and innovative academic program.
Responsibilities:
Instruction and curriculum Delivery
- Course Instruction: Teach undergraduate or graduate-level cybersecurity courses, including topics such as network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, risk management, cryptography, and incident response using blended learning techniques to include reverse learning objectives.
- Curriculum Development: Produce capstones, design and update course materials, including syllabi, lecture notes, practical lab activities, assignments, and exams to ensure content reflects current industry trends, best practices, and emerging threats. Upload curriculum into the Eccalon Learning Management System.
- Hands-on Lab Exercises: Build labs as well as create, implement, and manage cybersecurity lab tools like UAS, AUV, and additive manufacturing control systems, etc., to provide students with real-world scenarios and hands-on practice in a safe, controlled environment.
- Industry Standards Alignment: Ensure that the course content aligns with industry-recognized certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and others.
Lab and Practical Component Oversight
- Cyber Lab Management: Oversee and manage the cyber lab environment, including setting up virtualized networks, attack and defense simulations, and monitoring student use of the systems.
- Troubleshooting: Assist students in troubleshooting technical issues related to lab setups and provide feedback on their performance within the lab environment.
- Real-world Case Studies: Integrate real-world security incidents, breaches, or news into course material to ensure relevance and applicability of the concepts being taught.
Student Engagement
- Student Performance Assessment: Evaluate student assignments, exams, projects, and lab performance through both formative and summative assessments to ensure they meet learning objectives.
- Feedback: Offer constructive and timely feedback to students, guiding them in improving their technical skills and deepening their cybersecurity knowledge.
Program Support and Continuous Improvement
- Industry Alignment: Maintain strong connections with the cybersecurity industry to ensure program offerings reflect current needs and skill sets.
- Program Development: Collaborate with faculty and program directors to evaluate and update the cybersecurity curriculum regularly to match evolving standards and emerging threats.
- Workshops and Seminars: Organize or participate in cybersecurity workshops, boot camps, or industry-related seminars for student enrichment.
- Compliance: Ensure all instructional materials and lab activities comply with relevant legal and ethical standards, such as the Cybersecurity Framework (NIST) and other related regulations.
Required Qualifications:
Educational Background
- Minimum Education: Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- Preferred Education: PhD in Cybersecurity or a related discipline or significant industry experience.
Certifications
- Required: At least one industry-recognized cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CISSP, GIAC, or equivalent.
- Preferred: Multiple certifications demonstrating expertise across various areas (e.g., CISM, CISA, OSCP, GPEN).
Experience
- Industry Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in cybersecurity roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, or security architect.
- Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience in higher education or corporate training environments preferred. Experience with online course platforms and virtual learning environments is a plus.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient in cybersecurity tools and technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, network monitoring tools, threat intelligence platforms, and security protocols.
Skills and Expectations:
Technical Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, tools, and protocols.
- Practical experience with penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and security operations.
- Familiarity with incident response procedures, risk management, and security compliance.
Instructional Skills
- Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively to students with varying skill levels.
- Strong presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Capability to design and deliver engaging and interactive lab exercises that simulate real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Lab Management
- Ability to set up and manage complex virtual environments and cybersecurity simulations.
- Knowledge of cloud environments, containerization, and virtualization tools to facilitate scalable lab activities.
Student-Centered Approach
- Patience, mentoring ability, and dedication to student success.
- Ability to work with diverse student populations and address individual learning needs.
Continuous Improvement
- Dedication to staying current with emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and educational methodologies.
- Commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the cybersecurity program by providing constructive feedback and innovative solutions.
Expectations
- Professional Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity developments and maintain professional certifications through continuing education.
- Collaboration: Actively collaborate with other faculty members, lab staff, and program coordinators to ensure alignment with program goals.
- Participation: Participate in departmental meetings, curriculum reviews, and professional development activities to help shape and enhance the overall cybersecurity program.
- Availability: Provide timely feedback to students and maintain office hours to support their academic and technical growth.
NOTE: Please provide references who can speak to your instructional and industry expertise.
