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  • Program Director, Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center
    Charles D. McCrary Institute at AU
    Auburn University

    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.

    Or

    Master’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.


 


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