Job Description

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

Job Summary

William Paterson University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in the Department of Computer Science, with an anticipated appointment as Department Chair. We seek an accomplished scholar and academic leader to advance the Department’s computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity programs. The appointment will begin in July 2027.

The search will prioritize candidates with expertise in data science; artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; cloud and network security; digital forensics; privacy and data security; secure systems; and emerging cyber threats. Candidates with expertise in related areas are also encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in teaching, research, experiential learning, and external partnerships, while advancing innovative methodologies, technologies, and applications that address critical real-world challenges.

Department Chair Opportunity

The Department Chair provides academic and administrative leadership for the Computer Science Department. Responsibilities include managing departmental budgets and course scheduling; supporting admissions, accreditation, assessment, and faculty recruitment; implementing university and college policies; and advancing the Department’s academic programs and strategic priorities.

The Chair works closely with students, faculty, the Dean of the College of Science and Health, and university units to promote student success, address academic concerns, advocate for the Department, and strengthen its programs and operations. Reassigned time from teaching is provided for Chair responsibilities.

Department Overview

The Computer Science Department’s programs are informed by ACM/IEEE undergraduate curriculum guidelines. The Department offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science and a B.S. in Information Technology (IT) with an IT-Cybersecurity track. The B.S. in Information Technology is offered both on campus and online.

The Department prepares students for graduate study and professional careers in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and related areas. Its growing strengths in cybersecurity education and research are supported by specialized research and instructional facilities, student activities and competitions, and expanding online offerings. The B.S. in Computer Science is ABET-accredited.

Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching within a highly diverse and inclusive campus community are central to the University’s mission. Computer Science faculty are highly collaborative and engaged in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research.

Reporting Relationship

The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College of Science and Health.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide academic and strategic leadership for the Computer Science Department in collaboration with faculty, the Dean, and university leadership.
• Lead the continued development and expansion of the Department’s cybersecurity academic programs, research initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and external partnerships.
• Provide leadership for accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement, including maintaining ABET accreditation of the B.S. in Computer Science.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in multiple modalities, including online instruction.
• While serving as Department Chair, teach at least one course per semester.
• Lead curriculum and program development, including course content, learning objectives, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Promote student success through effective advising, mentoring, curriculum development, and program management.
• Maintain an active and productive record of scholarship and publication.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees and activities that advance academic programs and university priorities.
• Perform other teaching and administrative responsibilities as assigned based on departmental needs.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Computer Science or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated academic leadership and the ability to lead collaboratively in a complex university environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Demonstrated scholarly productivity appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
• Demonstrated expertise and a record of scholarship, teaching, or professional activity in cybersecurity or a closely related area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior academic administrative leadership experience, such as department chair, program director, or comparable leadership in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of and experience with ABET accreditation standards and processes.
• Experience securing or maintaining an NSA National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation in cybersecurity, or comparable cybersecurity program development experience.
• Experience developing, expanding, or leading cybersecurity academic programs, curricula, laboratories, centers, or related initiatives..

Leadership Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to lead, collaborate with, and influence faculty and colleagues in a complex and diverse academic environment.
• Ability to identify priorities, build consensus, and advance departmental and institutional goals.
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive excellence.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build consensus, navigate competing priorities, advocate effectively for the Department, and develop productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 32 - $113,015 - $129,973

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)

Invitation to apply

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.

Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

Please see posting.

Total Rewards and Benefits:

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William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts