Cyber Risks and Policy Strategy for National Security (Assistant Professor or Professor of Practice)

University of Texas at Austin   Austin, TX   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 13, 2024
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Cyber Risks and Policy Strategy for National Security (Assistant Professor or Professor of Practice)


College/School/Unit: LBJ School of Public Affairs
Department:
Posted: Sep 19, 2023
Apply By: Open until filled

Description

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation's preeminent academic centers for cybersecurity research and policy engagement, exemplified by relevant course offerings across campus and the work of the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law. The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs now seeks a dynamic scholar or practitioner to contribute to its curricular offerings on cybersecurity and the policy-relevant activities of the Strauss Center.

The LBJ School invites applications for a Professor of Practice or a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Cyber Risks and Policy Strategy for National Security to begin in Fall of academic year 2024-25 (with an August 2024 start date). This faculty position will be housed at the LBJ School while serving as a faculty affiliate of the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law.

The appointee's research on cyber risks and policy strategy for national security may focus on the following areas:

1. Cyber Threat Landscape Analysis:
  • Conduct research to analyze the evolving cyber threat landscape, including emerging technologies and tactics used by cyber adversaries.
  • Study the motivations and capabilities of state and non-state actors engaged in cyber attacks against national security interests.

2. Critical Infrastructure Protection:
  • Research strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure sectors (energy, transportation, healthcare, etc.) from cyber attacks that could have severe national security implications.
  • Develop policies to enhance the resilience and redundancy of critical systems against cyber threats.

3. Cybersecurity Policy and Regulation:
  • Examine the development and effectiveness of cybersecurity policies, regulations, and frameworks at the national and international levels.
  • Explore the challenges of harmonizing cybersecurity practices across different sectors and nations.

4. Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare:
  • Study cyber espionage tactics employed by nation-states and their impact on national security.
  • Investigate information warfare techniques, including cyber-enabled disinformation campaigns, and their influence on geopolitical dynamics.

5. Attribution and Deterrence:
  • Research methods for attributing cyber attacks to specific actors and the challenges associated with accurate attribution.
  • Develop strategies for deterring cyber attacks through diplomatic, economic, and technological means.


6. Cybersecurity Strategy and Resilience:
  • Explore the development of comprehensive national cybersecurity strategies that integrate government agencies, private sector, and academia.
  • Investigate strategies to enhance the resilience of national systems against cyber attacks and rapid recovery post-attack.

7. International Cyber Norms and Agreements:
  • Study the negotiation and implementation of international agreements, norms, and treaties related to cyber behavior and conflict in the context of national security.
  • Examine challenges in enforcing and verifying compliance with cyber norms.

8. Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development:
  • Contribute to the development of educational programs to train the next generation of cyber professionals with a focus on national security concerns.
  • Research effective methods for addressing the shortage of skilled cybersecurity workforce in the national security sector and participate in efforts to address the shortage.

9. Ethical and Legal Implications of Cyber Operations:
  • Investigate the ethical considerations surrounding offensive and defensive cyber operations conducted by governments.
  • Analyze the legal frameworks governing cyber activities, including issues of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and proportionality.

10. Emerging Technologies and National Security:
  • Explore the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and the Internet of Things on national security and cyber risks.

  • Assess the potential vulnerabilities and opportunities presented by these technologies.


  • Analyze the strategic competition for leadership in and access to critical emerging technologies.


  • Evaluate the range of potential policy responses available to the U.S. government in this competition.

11. Incident Response and Crisis Management:
  • Research best practices for incident response and crisis management in the aftermath of significant cyber incidents affecting national security.
  • Develop strategies for effective coordination among various stakeholders during a cyber crisis.


Strong candidates will also possess one or more of the following: senior-level experience working in or advising the U.S. government on these issues; knowledge of these issues in the context of one or more regions of importance for U.S. national-security strategy (Russia, Asia or the Middle East); and experience producing policy-relevant research designed to inform policymakers about these challenges.

The appointee will teach core courses either in the master's program or the new undergraduate program as well as electives in the areas of specialization described above. The appointee's research will have direct relevance to public policy. The appointee will conduct and publish scholarly research and seek grant opportunities in support of their research and/or teaching activities. The appointee will participate in faculty governance in the LBJ School.

As a faculty affiliate of the Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law, the appointee will also be expected to mentor students who aspire to careers in these fields; brief and otherwise inform U.S. and allied policymakers; participate in other relevant Strauss Center programs on and off campus; and otherwise participate fully in the intellectual life of the Strauss Center.

One of the nation's top ten programs in public affairs, the LBJ School comprises more than 40 faculty members and approximately 300 graduate students, and offers multi-disciplinary curricula leading to the degrees of Master of Public Affairs, Master of Global Policy Studies, and Ph.D. in Public Policy. The Robert Strauss Center for International Security and Law integrates expertise from across the University of Texas at Austin, as well as from the private and public sectors, in pursuit of practical solutions to emerging national and international challenges. Toward that end, the Strauss Center sponsors a wide array of research programs and educational initiatives. These include nationally recognized programs on National Security Law, Cybersecurity, Technology and Global Affairs, the U.S.-Mexico Border, U.S. policy toward Asia, and Space Policy. The Strauss Center also offers numerous fellowship and scholarship programs for UT-Austin students with an interest in international security.

Qualifications

A master's degree in a related field is required for a Professor of Practice position. For a tenure-track Assistant Professor, a PhD is required. ABD candidates will be considered if the doctoral degree will be complete by the time of employment. Experience in college teaching and evidence of scholarship or scholarly potential is preferred.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates can submit their cover letter, CV, statement of teaching, three years of teaching evaluations (or fewer if unavailable), three letters of reference, and one article-length writing sample via Interfolio. Questions about the position can be directed to David Eaton at eaton@austin.utexas.edu. Questions about the application can be directed to Shannon LaFevers at slafevers@austin.utexas.edu

The search committee will begin considering applications January 5th. The position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.


To apply, visit https://faculty.utexas.edu/career/124207



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University of Texas at Austin

Austin , TX