Adjunct: Cybersecurity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Management

OVERVIEW

The University of St. Thomas invites applications for an adjunct faculty member to teach Cybersecurity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Management in the graduate Emergency and Disaster Management program during Fall 2027. This is an 8-week, fully online, asynchronous course.  Learn more about the Master of Science degree in Emergency and Disaster Management at the following website: MS Emergency and Disaster Management.

The successful candidate will bring relevant academic expertise and/or professional experience in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, emergency management, or a related field.

This course examines the intersection of cybersecurity and emergency management, with particular emphasis on how cyber threats affect critical infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and emergency response operations. Students will explore foundational cybersecurity concepts, risk assessment methodologies, disaster response planning, and best practices for protecting digital assets during crises. The course also considers the role and potential applications of artificial intelligence in strengthening cybersecurity and supporting emergency management decision-making.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical applications, emerging technologies, and contemporary challenges in cybersecurity and emergency management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or teach graduate-level course content for an 8-week, online, asynchronous course.
• Integrate relevant professional experiences, case studies, and current research into course materials.
• Examine cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure and their implications for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
• Address the applications, opportunities, and challenges of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity and emergency management.
• Evaluate student learning through assignments, discussions, and other appropriate assessment methods.
• Provide timely feedback and maintain regular communication with students throughout the course.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

Salary Range: $1,000-$5,600 depending on student enrollment

Initial Course Development: $4,000

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master's degree in a relevant discipline and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Professional experience: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience; or
• Scholarly achievement: A sustained record of scholarly achievement demonstrated by at least four academic works, such as peer-reviewed publications, books, book chapters, funded research, or other recognized scholarly contributions.

Relevant experience may include cybersecurity operations, information assurance, critical infrastructure protection, cyber risk management, emergency management, disaster response, artificial intelligence applications, or related areas.

Related Disciplines

Qualified candidates may hold degrees or demonstrate professional expertise in one or more of the following disciplines:

Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Assurance, Cyber Operations, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Policy, Risk Management, Engineering, or other closely related fields.

Preferred Areas of Expertise

Preference may be given to candidates with expertise or professional experience in cybersecurity threats and risk management, critical infrastructure protection, cyber incident response and recovery, artificial intelligence applications in cybersecurity and emergency management, cybersecurity policy and governance, and the integration of technology into emergency preparedness, response, and decision-making.

Application Instructions

Applications should be submitted by December 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Interested candidates should submit a current curriculum vitae or résumé and a cover letter highlighting their relevant academic credentials, professional experience, and qualifications to teach the course.

Applicants may also include information about teaching experience, online instruction, scholarly publications, research, or other professional accomplishments. Application materials should demonstrate how the candidate’s background and expertise align with the course content and minimum qualification requirements.

The University of St. Thomas welcomes applications from qualified professionals and scholars who can bring relevant expertise and practical perspectives to graduate education in emergency and disaster management.