Program Director, Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center - Auburn University : Job Details

Program Director, Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration CenterPlease see Special Instructions for more details.

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Position Information

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S4542P

Home Org Name

Home Org Name Charles D. McCrary Institute at AU

Division Name

Division Name Samuel Ginn Col of Engineering

Position Title

Position Title Program Director, Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center

Job Class Code

Job Class Code JA23

Appointment Status

Appointment Status Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term

Limited Term Yes

Job Summary

The Charles D. McCrary Institute is accepting applications for a Program Director of the Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (SERC3). This position will lead one of the nation's premier applied research and testbed environments for operational technology (OT) cybersecurity in critical infrastructure. Ensures the driving of the strategic vision, growth, and operational excellence of SERC3, with a focus on defending America's industrial control systems and energy delivery systems against emerging cyber threats. Leads and oversee research initiatives focused on securing operational technology (OT) systems across various industries. Manages a team of researchers who develop innovative cybersecurity solutions and collaborate with industry partners and government agencies to enhance the security and resilience of OT systems. Manages and maintains a cybersecurity collaborative ecosystem and developing, building, and operating a new OT and cybersecurity research operations center at the Auburn Research Park that includes faculty, students, and contractors are additional duties.

SERC3 is a formal partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory ( ORNL ) and operates in close collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute ( EPRI ) and other national laboratories to deliver joint applied research and testbed activities.

The Program Director will engage directly with a national industry advisory board composed of cybersecurity leaders from Southern Company, NextEra, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, TVA , PowerSouth, Energy Southeast, EPB Chattanooga, and Commonwealth LNG .

SERC3 is structured to deliver real-world cybersecurity solutions and deployable tools to support national infrastructure defense.

Essential Functions

• Leads the execution and expansion of SERC3, building a nationally recognized testbed and applied research ecosystem focused on securing operational technology and critical infrastructure.
• Drives lab growth through strategic business development, including the identification, pursuit, and capture of new funding opportunities from federal agencies, utilities, and industry partners.
• Serves as the principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on major research proposals and grants. Leads proposal strategy and development to secure new funding, expand the lab's program portfolio, and deepen strategic partnerships across sectors.
• Manages and maintains a cybersecurity collaborative ecosystem. Develops, builds, and operates an OT and cybersecurity research operations center.
• Works closely with Oak Ridge National Laboratory ( ORNL ), EPRI , and other national laboratories to align technical objectives with national cybersecurity priorities.
• Engages with and supports a national industry advisory board of senior cybersecurity leaders across major utilities and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Leads the design and implementation of advanced research programs that align with DOE CESER , CISA , FEMA SLCGP , DoD, DHS , and utility cybersecurity priorities.
• Fosters a collaborative and innovative research environment and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers, researchers, students, and collaborators across the university and partner organizations.
• Develops and tests new cybersecurity technologies and methodologies and apply cybersecurity tools in operational environments.
• Operates an OT and cybersecurity research operations center at the Auburn Research Park.
• Conducts advanced research on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities regarding energy, water, and wastewater systems and provide expert advice on cybersecurity policies and best practices for the energy, water, and wastewater sectors. Oversees the development and integration of high-fidelity, closed-loop cyber-physical test environments replicating real-world utility and industrial control systems.
• Serves as a public-facing leader for SERC3, representing the center at national conferences, convenings, and with the media as needed. Builds and sustains relationships with senior leaders across federal agencies, national laboratories, utilities, and cybersecurity technology providers.
• Translates research outputs into actionable, testable, and deployable solutions for government and industry. Guides the transition of SERC3-developed tools and frameworks into commercial, open-source, or utility-adopted solutions.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or related field.10 years of Experience in operational technology, critical infrastructure, power systems, and cybersecurity experience. Proven track record of leading technical and multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale, complex research and operational projects.Experience in the energy and water sectors is highly desirable. Demonstrated success in securing external funding and building public-private partnerships.OrMaster's Degree Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or related field.8 years of Experience in operational technology, critical infrastructure, power systems, and cybersecurity experience. Proven track record of leading technical and multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale, complex research and operational projects. Experience in the energy and water sectors is highly desirable. Demonstrated success in securing external funding and building public-private partnerships.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of generally accepted information/cybersecurity principles and practices with the ability to apply that knowledge to perform complex and non-routine specialized OT security analysis functions.Ability to remain up to date with privacy and security regulations.Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.Strong communication and presentation skills.

Minimum Technology Skills

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Salary Range

Salary Range Unclassified

Job Category

Job Category Information Systems/Technology

City position is located in:

City position is located in: Auburn

State position is located:

State position is located: Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Posting Date

Posting Date 06/26/2025

Closing Date

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please tell us how you first heard about this opportunity.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or related field, 10 years of Experience in operational technology, critical infrastructure, power systems, and cybersecurity experience, and a proven track record of leading technical and multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale, complex research and operational projects

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University.
  • Not a current Auburn employee
  • Current Auburn employee in position less than one year
  • Current Auburn employee in position more than one year
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