"Instructor, Computer Science (Cyber Security), Foothill College"

Job Description

Initial Review Date: 03/10/26*Any complete applications received after the review date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request. The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the faculty position of Instructor, Computer Science (Cyber Security), Foothill College. The College reserves the right to hire one or more applicants from this applicant pool. The Foothill - De Anza Community College District does not have a remote work policy. All employees are expected to be available to work in person and on-site per the requirement of the department. The Foothill-De Anza Community College District does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews. All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Foothill College Mission Statement: Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

Message From the Department Foothill College is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The college has a robust equity plan and is seeking an Instructor for the CS Department that will contribute to the department with equitable student success at the forefront. The instructor will engage in implementing culturally relevant curriculum and other pedagogical practices to ensure the equitable recruitment, persistence and success of all STEM students, particularly students who are traditionally marginalized in computer science related fields such as Women, African American, and Latinx.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE Under the direction of the Dean of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Division, the instructor is responsible for teaching a variety of college-level computer science courses—including programming, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and related topics. The instructor will motivate and support student success by encouraging the use of academic supports such as the STEM Learning Resource Center, and contribute to program planning by developing goals and metrics for student learning outcomes. Additionally, the instructor will help the campus community understand the impact of rapidly evolving fields like cybersecurity on education and society, and lead the deployment of necessary software and hardware within the computer science department.

Teaching assignments include both in-person and online instruction at the Foothill campus, with possible assignments at the Sunnyvale Center and high school campuses, and may take place during the day, in the evening, on-campus, off-campus, or online. Standard faculty duties include curriculum development and evaluation, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, participating in district and/or college committees, and engaging in professional growth activities. Faculty are expected to contribute professionally on the Foothill campus throughout the academic year and have opportunities to participate in campus extracurricular activities.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, pursuing professional growth activities, service on district and/or college committees, and performing other duties consistent with the role of an instructor. Instructors also have the opportunity participate in campus extra-curricular activities.

Duties also include sharing institutional responsibilities of value to the department, division, college and/or district, including actively participating in the spirit of shared governance. These responsibilities may include recruitment and hiring; class schedule preparation; budget development; providing input for performance appraisals; mentorship; general oversight of support staff; student recruitment and retention; curriculum/program development and evaluation; program review; club advising; committees; accreditation; articulation; and other duties as assigned.

In addition, instructors are expected to maintain a commitment and sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, disability, religious background and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff, and uphold a commitment to integrating equity practices in the College's Instructional Programs.

Expected Domain Skills and Knowledge

1. Current Cybersecurity Trends: Generative AI Threats, Ransomware Evolution, Zero Trust and Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), State-Sponsored Cyberattacks, Quantum Computing Threats. Understanding CVEs, CWEs, CTEM, NIST, DBIR reports, CVSS, EPSS, and predictive scores. Experience with security tools (infrastructure scanners, Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), Open- Source Software (OSS) scanner, Container scanners). Understanding concepts such as Secure-by-Design vs. Secure-by-Default. Knowledge of industry-specific cybersecurity concerns. Ability to discuss the impact of current events on the cybersecurity landscape.
2. Networking and Protocols: Network topologies/protocols (OSI model, TCP/IP, IPv6, IPv4). Switching, routing, DNS, firewalls. Commercial deployments (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks). Software Defined Networking (SDN) in cloud and on-premises deployments. Network troubleshooting, basic threat vectors, advanced firewalls (IDS/IPS), wireless access points. Advanced networking topics (network segmentation, QoS, network automation, network forensics).
3. Computing Platforms: Modern operating systems (Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, RTOS). Understanding IoT and Operational Technology (OT). Malware and threat detection, data storage management. Database management, cryptography, encryption, secrets management. Identity and Access Management systems, PII.
4. Computing Development Skills: Modern software engineering topics (Python, C++, JavaScript). Software design methodologies (Agile, DevOps). Software design architecture patterns (client/server, MVC design patterns, microservices).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
• Any Degree and Professional Experience (Computer network installation, microcomputer technology, computer applications).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Teaching and Professional Experience 1. Teaching Experience: Teaching cybersecurity, including developing and implementing diverse and equitable assessment strategies. Identifying and providing support for at-risk students. Working productively on collaborative projects. Knowledge of California Community College pathways and CSU/UC Cybersecurity programs. 2. Professional Experience: Industry or government experience in implementing and managing foundational security. Hands-on experience with security frameworks (NIST, CISA) and IT governance. Familiarity with compliance program implementation and auditing (HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, SOX, CCPA, ISO 27000). Familiarity with security domains including physical, technical, and administrative. Managing complex IT environments (on-premises, public/private cloud, hybrid, edge). Managing and leading cybersecurity programs in educational settings. Knowledge of risk evaluation, incident response and crisis management. 3. Knowledge and Skills: Networking and protocols, operating systems (Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android), cloud infrastructure, single sign-on, and multifactor authentication. Current security threats (malware, ransomware, phishing). Historical cybersecurity incidents and supply chain attacks. Knowledge and understanding of Next-Generation Firewalls and threat prevention systems. Knowledge and understanding of Security Operations Center (SOC) management tools. Ethical hacking and penetration testing. Participation in Capture the Flag and Cyber Defense Competitions. Use of AI tools and technology within cybersecurity. Strong communication and presentation skills. 4. Preferred Additional Qualifications: Bachelors degree (or higher) in Cybersecurity or a related field. Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: Indoor, office environment.

Physical Abilities: (Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations) Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Vision sufficient to read various materials. Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position. Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET: A District on-line application to be completed at http://hr.fhda.edu/careers/ *In the application, you will provide information, which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff. Additionally, you will be asked to explain how your life experiences, studies or work have influenced your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. A cover letter detailing your background and experience, skills, and abilities as they relate to the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. A current resume of all work experience, formal education and training.

HIRING RANGE: $76,596.00 - $123,297.00 annually plus benefits; actual placement is based on applicants verified education and experience. For the complete Faculty Salary Schedule, go to: https://hr.fhda.edu/_faculty-information.html

Excellent benefits package which includes medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents, dental, vision care, employee assistance program, long term disability, retirement benefits and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits are also available such as legal assistance, pet insurance, and long-term care. Faculty are also eligible for paid professional development leaves and stipends for educational and professional development. For information on our benefits package that includes medical for employees and dependents, visit our web site: http://hr.fhda.edu/benefits/index.html

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Tenure-track, 10-months per year.

STARTING DATE: Fall 2026.