Description

San Diego State University (SDSU) invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Secure Hardware Systems at the rank of Assistant Professor with an expected start date of Fall 2027.  The Assistant Professor will be a member of the interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Research and Education Center (CCRE; https://cyber.sdsu.edu), with an academic appointment in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. Apply via PageUp by December 11, 2026 for full consideration.

SDSU is an R1 institution with a strategic initiative to develop world-leading research and education in cybersecurity and privacy.  The CCRE is home to faculty conducting state-of-the-art research in critical infrastructure protection, cyber-physical systems, network security and privacy, cybersecurity operations and management, and trustworthy and secure AI.  The center seeks candidates working in hardware security to complement its existing research activity and curricula.  Qualified applicants will have demonstrated expertise in secure hardware systems, with research spanning areas such as silicon security and integrity verification, hardware-assisted cryptography and security algorithms, side-channel and fault attacks, trusted hardware, or related areas.

Qualifications

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research / scholarly accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to

  • Develop a vigorous and independent program of research and scholarship in secure hardware systems including, but not limited to hardware verification, cryptographic hardware, side-channel and fault attacks, and trusted  hardware.

  • Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses;

• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria. 

Required qualifications by date of hire

• Terminal PhD degree in Computer Science or Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with all degree requirements met.

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong technical and theoretical understanding of computer architecture and design
• Experience in hardware verification, trusted hardware, and cryptographic hardware accelerators
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or funding
• Preparation for teaching students from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated potential to develop and sustain externally funded cybersecurity research, including support from U.S. government agencies, the Departments of Defense, Energy, and War, and military sponsors, subject to applicable sponsor eligibility requirements.

Application Instructions

Apply via PageUp by December 11, 2026, providing the following materials:

• Cover letter, including information indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria

• Curriculum vita

• Research statement

• Teaching philosophy and experiences statement

• Names of three references

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. Anticipated salary for an assistant professor in this role is $108,000 - $111,000. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

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. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.