Director, Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS),

Purdue University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS) in Purdue’s Discovery Park.  

CERIAS is widely recognized as a global leader for multidisciplinary research and education in cyber- and cyber-physical system assurance, security, resiliency, and privacy. CERIAS brings together world-class faculty, staff, and students to address the evolving concerns surrounding computing, data, communications and the digitally connected world. It was launched from Purdue’s College of Science 20 years ago as one of the “Original Seven” DHS/NSA centers for academic excellence in information assurance.

Discovery Park – where disciplines converge to solve global challenges – is internationally recognized as a leader in interdisciplinary research, distinguished by a convergence of physical, life, and engineering sciences, along with cyber and data science, advanced digital technologies and the social sciences and humanities. CERIAS-associated research intersects all areas of Discovery Park’s strategic themes.  As a crosscutting element of Discovery Park (DP), CERIAS will work with all of DP’s centers and institutes, and across all of Purdue University, to build on its extensive track record, and expand its visibility gaining access to new collaborative opportunities with Purdue faculty and external partners.

CERIAS has a robust external partnership program that encourages industry collaboration on, and feedback to, research and educational initiatives. Through this program, the Center helps drive current commercial technology and influence relevant research, education and training of Purdue University students from 18 different academic departments.  

The next director must have the vision and ability to foster successful partnership between CERIAS and other university assets to create new interdisciplinary activities of national and international distinction. The CERIAS director will launch new initiatives at the intersection of cyber-/cyber-physical security, global health, sustainability and defense to leverage new opportunities for funding by federal agencies and commercial industry.  The director will be responsible for defining and executing the overall mission of the Center, including establishing and implementing a strategic plan to position Purdue as a global leader in targeted areas.

The director will report to the Chief Scientist and Executive Director of Purdue’s Discovery Park. The director will provide leadership related to opportunity capture, execution and evaluation, and relationship management of internal and external stakeholders. The director will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching. The director interacts routinely with other Discovery Park Center Directors and staff, the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships, College Deans, and faculty leaders conducting research in all related areas.

The candidate’s distinguished career accomplishments must be suitable to hold a tenured-faculty position in Computer Science at Purdue University. The candidate must possess an understanding of government and industry relations and have past administrative/policy experience working in or with a higher education environment. Individual must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security clearance. A Ph.D. in computer science or related fields is required.

To receive full consideration, submit a letter of interest that outlines qualifications and vision for the position, three references and a curriculum vitae. All documents and questions must be directed electronically to dpcerias@purdue.edu. Full review of applications will commence January 15, 2018; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Purdue University’s Discovery Park is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction, and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in their cover letter, indicating their experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion. A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.