The Department of Electrical Engineering (EE Department) in the new College of Engineering (CEN) at Illinois State University (ISU) invites applications for one open rank tenure-track position beginning on August 17, 2026. An earlier start date is possible, conditional upon EE Department budget/ needs. In order to roll out an advisory track in Computer Engineering, we are seeking qualified experts in Computer Networks, Computer Organization, Data Analytics, Cyber Security and Privacy, Edge/Fog/GPU Computing, High Performance Computing, Internet of Things, and related areas.
Because the College is in its foundational stages, we are seeking a candidate who can quickly adapt, be flexible in terms of workload distribution, and serve as founding member of the EE Department. Responsibilities for the position will change from year to year until the new College reaches its steady state by 2029 or earlier. Job responsibilities will include curriculum and laboratory development; effective undergraduate teaching/research including first-year and senior design advising; grant writing and research/scholarship; ISU service including high school visits, industry collaborations, and workshops for student recruitment; and external service including societies (e.g., ACM & IEEE).
Salary, Rank and Tenure: The position is nine-month, tenure-track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. Salary, rank, and the status of tenure (probationary tenure-track or tenured) are commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included.
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Additional Information
The College of Engineering (CEN) is the newest College at ISU. We just welcomed our first cohort of students in Fall of 2025 and we will graduate our first cohort of students in Spring of 2029. The CEN will emphasize project-based learning and applied research, and demonstrate the societal impact engineers make across communities. We will be a leader in educating engineers and plan to be a leader in transforming engineering education to graduate students from all backgrounds. For any additional information, visit https://illinoisstate.edu/college-engineering/.
Illinois State University: https://illinoisstate.edu/, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at https://illinoisstate.edu
Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
Assistant Professor, $80,000 - $95,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Associate Professor, $95,000 - $125,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Professor, $120,000 - $135,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Required Qualifications
1) A terminal degree in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering or a closely related field. ABD candidates with an expected completion of PhD by August 2026 will also be considered.
2) Research expertise in Computer Networks, Computer Organization, Big Data, Cybersecurity & Privacy, Edge/Fog/GPU Computing, High Performance Computing, Internet of Things, etc.
3) Teaching interest in Computer Engineering areas, e.g., Computer Networks, Computer Organization, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, GPU Computing, C++ & Python, etc.
4) Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.
Work Hours
Varies
Proposed Starting Date
August 16, 2026
Required Applicant Documents
1) Cover letter or letter of interest in the faculty position;
2) Teaching experience/philosophy and experience/vision of course/lab development (max 4 pages);
3) Research expertise and future interests (max 2 pages);
4) Curriculum vitae;
5) Names and contact information of three professional references.
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Review of applications will begin on January 12, 2026, and shall continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information for Applicants
eesearch@ilstu.edu
