Assistant Professor - Industrial Engineering

Department: Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range $95,000 to $110,000/yr, commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule: Dependent on teaching assignment and research program needs; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering in the College of Engineering at Wichita State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Industrial Engineering. We seek an innovative scholar and educator who will contribute to our academic programs and research profile. The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop a productive research program, and provide service to the university and profession. This position is a 9-month appointment with an anticipated start date of Fall 2027.

Since 1928, Wichita State's College of Engineering has built a reputation for equipping engineering and computing students with the most complete education possible. From hands-on research using the latest technologies to our location in Kansas' center of industry — with virtually unlimited jobs, applied learning and professional connections — Shocker engineering students have everything they need to make their dream careers a reality.

The Department of Industrial, Systems, and Manufacturing Engineering comprises 11 faculty, five degree programs (two bachelor’s, two master’s, and one PhD program), and six graduate certificate programs. The department is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student success. New faculty will find supportive colleagues and opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives across the university.

Establish and maintain an active research program in reliability engineering, artificial intelligence, and/or emerging quantum computing.

Job Summary

Teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels using various instructional deliveries (e.g., traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and fully online). To foster applied learning into the course design and engage with industry and local business community applied projects. To advance knowledge through scholarly activities (e.g., active involvement in committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiative, outreach activities, etc.)

Essential Functions

Meet expectations for research, teaching, and service as set forth by the department and college.

Job Duties

Teaching: Develop and teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in industrial engineering. This includes designing curriculum and instructional materials, delivering high-quality instruction in various modalities (in-person, online, or hybrid), and assessing student learning. The faculty member will mentor and advise students, including supervising research projects or theses/dissertation as appropriate, and incorporate applied learning opportunities (e.g. projects with industry or community partners) into the coursework whenever possible.

Research/Scholarly Activity: Establish and maintain an active research program in reliability engineering, artificial intelligence, and/or emerging quantum computing. This includes publishing peer-reviewed scholarly work and disseminating results in academic venues. The faculty member is expected to seek external funding (grants or industry collaboration) to support research activities and, where applicable, engage in interdisciplinary projects or partnerships with industry. Excellence in scholarship should be demonstrated by a record of research accomplishments or clear potential for high-quality research output.

Service: Participate in service activities within the department, college, and university, as well as in professional organizations. Service duties include committee work, curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment, and community outreach. The faculty member will contribute to the governance and strategic initiatives of the department and may also engage in service to the broader profession (e.g. reviewing for journals, involvement in academic societies).

Other: Fulfill other duties as assigned, in accordance with the faculty member’s talents and departmental needs. All Wichita State faculty are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in teaching, research, and service.

Required Education and Experience:

• Terminal degree in direct field
• Teaching experience

Faculty Requirements

An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related field is required by August 2027.
Applicants who are at an advanced stage of their doctoral studies will be considered if they provide strong evidence that all degree requirements will be completed prior to June 2027.

Teaching: Demonstrated potential for effective teaching in reliability engineering, artificial intelligence, and/or emerging quantum computing. Evidence may include prior teaching experience, student evaluations, teaching awards, or a teaching philosophy that reflects best practices in instruction.

Research Ability: Demonstrated potential for effective research and scholarship. This can be shown by publications, conference presentations, independent work as PI/co-PI on funded projects, or other scholarly activities indicating the ability to develop an independent research program.

All requirements should be verifiable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students.
• The candidate should be able to collaborate in a collegial academic environment and adapt to the interdisciplinary and applied learning focus of Wichita State. Evidence could include references and examples of written communication.
• Ability to build professional relationships within the community and across the university at all levels.
• Ability to provide instruction of curriculum to a variety of learners.
• Commitment to collaborative processes and environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interdisciplinary/Applied Focus: Experience or interest in interdisciplinary work or industry collaboration. For example, a history of working on research projects across disciplines or partnerships with industry and the community (aligned with Wichita State’s emphasis on applied learning and innovation) is desirable.
  
  
• Healthcare focus: Demonstrated evidence of experience in healthcare analytics that align with WSU’s National Institute for Health Solutions and Innovation (NIHSI).

Additional Information:

Work Authorization and Immigration Sponsorship

Wichita State University may be able to sponsor certain faculty positions for employment-based immigration status where authorized by the hiring department and university policy. Sponsorship eligibility varies by faculty position and will be identified in the individual job posting.

For faculty positions eligible for sponsorship, international candidates generally must be eligible for sponsorship in a visa classification compatible with the faculty position. For tenured and tenure-track faculty appointments, visa classifications incompatible with such appointments include F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), J-1 Research Scholar, and J-1 Academic Training statuses.

Cover Letter: A letter of application addressing how the candidate’s qualifications and experience align with the position, including a summary of teaching philosophy and research interests.

Teaching Statement: A statement (1-2 pages) describing teaching approach and experience (including course topics the candidate can teach, mentoring experience, and any evidence of teaching effectiveness).

Research Statement: A statement (1-2 pages) outlining current research accomplishments and future research plans. Emphasize how these might involve students or connect to interdisciplinary and industry-related opportunities at WSU.

Priority review of applications will begin on November 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The appointment for this position is August 2027.

Contact details
For any inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Deepak Gupta, Department Chair at deepak.gupta@wichita.edu or (316) 978-7758 or Dr. Bayram Yildirim, Search Committee Chair and Professor at Bayram.Yildirim@wichita.edu or (316) 978- 3426.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position – Frequent 60-90%; Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators – Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement: