Position Function:
This position works as part of a team with the Chief Information Security Officer, the CIO, and ITS Directors to help implement and maintain a secure information technology environment for the University. This position works proactively assessing systems, processes, and projects against compliance requirements, control objectives and security best practices to prevent security incidents from occurring.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate basic knowledge of essential security operations.
2. Handles sensitive and other critical responses in a professional manner while supporting campus cyber security in the Office of the CIO.
3. Serve as a resource person in assessing systems, processes, and projects against compliance requirements, control objectives, and security best practices; interacts with internal and external technical staff and consults with project teams at various stages of project life cycles.
4. Monitor system and network operations for signs of suspicious or detrimental activity.
5. Investigate information security incidents to determine the cause and extent of the incident, and to make recommendations to mitigate the likelihood of similar future incidents.
6. Stay abreast of current and evolving technologies and practices aimed at preventing attacks on the University’s IT environment, and make recommendations for adoption of such technologies and best practices to the CIO and senior ITS leadership.
7. Assist in analyzing results from intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, network mapping software, log analysis, and other tools to detect, respond to, and mitigate information security related vulnerabilities and incidents.
8. Stay abreast of new and evolving IT security issues, as well as legal, ethical, and social issues related to the operation and use of networked information systems at a public, land grant, high research university.
9. Participate in informational activities and campaigns, including MSU’s annual Cybersecurity Awareness Week, aimed at educating MSU students, faculty, and staff about cybersecurity threats as well as appropriate safeguards and measures to guard against becoming a victim.
10. Use tools of the trade to perform ongoing vulnerability assessments of MSU systems and networks to determine weaknesses and design remediation strategies for discovered vulnerabilities to mitigate risk.
11. Maintain records and prepare reports for the CIO and senior ITS management providing insight into and measuring the effectiveness of MSU’s information security posture.
12. Assist the Security and Compliance Officer, the CIO, and senior ITS management in preparing and documenting information security plans, policies, and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or a related field.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with network security technologies such as network vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection systems, and multifactor authentication
• Experience in a large, diverse university IT environment
• Experience with security compliance frameworks
• A strong understanding of Python programming concepts, libraries, and frameworks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Good oral and written communication skills.
2. Knowledge of security technologies such as network vulnerability scanning, intrusion detection systems, firewalls and system hardening
3. Knowledge of TCP/IP and related network protocols
4. System administration knowledge of contemporary computer operating systems, especially Linux and/or Windows
5. Experience with security technologies such as network firewalls and VPNs
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
2. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
3. No or very limited physical effort required.
4. Ability to sit at computer for extended periods of time.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by attaching a cover letter and resume which includes the names and addresses of 3 professional references. We will accept applications only from persons with indefinite employment authorization in the U.S., and will not sponsor for nonimmigrant or immigrant status for this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
