Adjunct Faculty – Cybersecurity (Scripting, Penetration Testing & Web Security)

GST is seeking an Adjunct Faculty member for Cybersecurity (Scripting, Penetration Testing & Web Security) to teach graduate-level cybersecurity courses in scripting, penetration testing, and web application security. The ideal candidate combines academic expertise with hands-on industry experience and can deliver applied, workforce-aligned instruction that prepares students for real-world cybersecurity roles.

• Teach assigned graduate cybersecurity courses in an asynchronous online format with required in-person engagement
• Design and facilitate hands-on labs aligned to industry tools and real-world scenarios
• Guide students through applied cybersecurity workflows including automation, offensive security techniques, and vulnerability analysis
• Provide timely, actionable feedback on assignments, labs, and assessments
• Support development of professional documentation, reporting, and communication skills
• Maintain and update course materials within the learning management system (LMS)
• Align instruction with current industry practices, certifications, and workforce expectations

Instructional Scope

Scripting for Cybersecurity

• Teach core scripting concepts across multiple languages (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell) with an emphasis on comparing approaches to solve the same problem
• Develop student competency in automating administrative and security tasks, including file handling, log parsing, and system operations
• Cover scripting for networking tasks (socket communication, API interaction) and database operations
• Introduce secure coding practices and debugging techniques
• Emphasize real-world use cases such as incident response automation, data processing, and systems management

Penetration Testing

• Deliver instruction aligned to industry-recognized penetration testing methodologies and Hack The Box certification frameworks (e.g., CPTS-level content)
• Cover the full penetration testing lifecycle: reconnaissance, enumeration, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, privilege escalation, lateral movement, and post-exploitation
• Include hands-on labs targeting network, web application, Active Directory, and hybrid/cloud environments
• Teach tool usage (e.g., Nmap, Metasploit, BloodHound, credential attacks) alongside methodology and decision-making
• Emphasize operational tradecraft, reporting, risk assessment, and communication of findings to stakeholders

Web Security

• Deliver instruction aligned to Hack The Box web security certification frameworks (e.g., CWEE or equivalent pathways)
• Teach how modern web applications function, including HTTP/S protocols, session management, authentication, and backend integrations
• Cover identification and validation of vulnerabilities such as injection flaws, broken authentication, access control issues, and input validation weaknesses
• Utilize tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and proxy-based analysis for hands-on testing
• Emphasize attacker mindset, exploit development basics, and secure design principles
• Incorporate lab-based scenarios simulating real-world web application attack surfaces

Education/Experience

• Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution required.
• Doctoral degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in cybersecurity, penetration testing, application security, or scripting/automation

Travel

• Must be willing to commute to 3 Times Sq. for live synchronous classes at least 7 times a semester
• Courses are delivered primarily in an asynchronous online format, requiring consistent online presence and facilitation

Working Conditions

• Use of a computer
• Need to sit or stand for 3-hour class