Assistant / Associate Professor - Applied Artificial Intelligence and Offensive Cybersecurity

Build applied expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and offensive cybersecurity in a full-time, tenure-track faculty role at Dakota State University (Beacom College). This onsite position in Madison, SD offers a flexible benefits package, strong retirement matching, and paid leave, alongside the opportunity to teach, develop hands-on labs, and advance research that connects AI-enabled capabilities to real-world cyber operations. Appointment begins Fall 2027 (August).

What you will do

Teach and conduct research focused on applying artificial intelligence to offensive cybersecurity and cyber operations, including areas such as AI-enabled penetration testing, autonomous or semi-autonomous offensive cyber operations, and AI-assisted vulnerability discovery. The role also supports work in intelligent attack-path analysis, adversarial AI, AI-supported malware analysis and reverse engineering, and automated red teaming.

Depending on expertise, you may also contribute to instruction across undergraduate and graduate programs, develop and maintain a productive research agenda at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, and pursue external funding through research and grant activity.

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cyber operations, and areas at the intersection of AI and offensive cyber.
• Develop hands-on labs and applied technical learning experiences involving AI-enabled cybersecurity.
• Mentor master’s and doctoral students and serve on graduate research and dissertation committees.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research and pursue external grants and sponsored research opportunities.
• Connect research and teaching to real-world applications and build collaborative relationships with industry, government, national laboratories, and other external partners.
• Contribute through student advising, curriculum development, university service, and recruitment activities.

Key responsibilities (research, teaching, and service)

This tenure-track position combines academic teaching with research and scholarship. You will have opportunities to mentor graduate students and support interdisciplinary research connecting artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, while contributing to university service and recruitment efforts.

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline by the appointment start date.
• ABD candidates may be considered.
• Expertise applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to cybersecurity, cyber operations, or related security applications.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Residence in South Dakota, or willingness to relocate to South Dakota, by the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Research, teaching, or professional experience applying AI or machine learning to offensive cybersecurity or cyber operations.
• Experience in applied, hands-on technical learning or research environments.

Compensation and benefits

$90,000 - $115,000 per year (yearly salary). Flexible benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, and health reimbursement account. Additional benefits include paid sick leave, paid family leave, professional liability coverage, and reduced tuition for education.

Retirement support comes through the South Dakota Retirement System with 6% fully matched contributions, vested after three years of service.

How to apply

Applications open October 9, 2026 at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu and must be submitted by November 11, 2026. Include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Academic rank will be determined at the Assistant or Associate Professor level based on qualifications and experience.