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The Lyle School of Engineering at SMU, led by the newly appointed visionary Mary and Richard Templeton Dean, Dr. Nader Jalili, invites qualified candidates for tenured faculty positions at the Associate and Full Professor levels to lead the Lyle School’s esteemed Caruth Institute for Engineering Education. Minimum qualifications for this position include an earned Ph.D. in a field of Engineering or a closely related discipline, with experience commensurate with the rank of associate or full professor. The departments for the appointment will be determined by the backgrounds and interests of the final candidates in one of Lyle's five departments. Joint appointments either within Lyle or across SMU will also be considered.

Our culture of faculty growth thrives on innovation, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. We are committed to externally funded, industry-supported research, which advances our academic goals and provides students with invaluable industry insights. Our mission is to lead in the digital transformation of engineering education, equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to emerge as confident, capable leaders. Through excellence and innovation, we aim to significantly impact the engineering landscape and beyond.

As a distinguished Endowed Associate/Full Professor, the ideal candidate for this position will have a strong background in engineering education, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers. The Executive Director will spearhead initiatives in cutting-edge teaching methodologies and driving innovative educational strategies. The Institute will also help to secure funding for research and educational initiatives through grants and industry sponsorships; mentor and support faculty in adopting innovative teaching methods, including AI-driven simulations, personalized learning platforms, and automated assessment tools; and enhance student learning experiences through experiential learning opportunities, advanced research projects, and industry engagement. The successful candidate will advance interdisciplinary collaboration between our five departments, enhance industry partnerships, and engage with educators and students to ensure the development of future-ready engineers.

Current efforts within the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education focus on broadening participation in engineering and computer science through inclusive excellence. Existing programs within the Institute operate year-round to recruit K-12 students to STEM fields and enhance undergraduate students’ persistence within Lyle. As part of this mission, the Institute supports traditionally unrepresented students in the Lyle School through the implementation of a robust peer mentoring program. The newly hired Executive Director will contribute to advancing the mission and vision of the Caruth Institute.

In addition to continuing and expanding these existing initiatives, in its reimagined era under the leadership of the new Executive Director, the Caruth Institute will also focus on the integration of contemporary topics such as sustainable engineering, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, IoT, and advanced manufacturing into the undergraduate and graduate curriculum; promote the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts into the engineering curriculum to prepare students for the evolving job market; and leading engineering education research initiatives in collaboration with other expert faculty.

All applications should be submitted through Interfolio: https://www.smu.edu/lyle/departments/faculty-openings

Qualifications

An accomplished academic suitable for an endowed associate or full professorship with an earned Ph.D. in the appropriate or a closely related discipline, and a profound understanding of engineering education, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The expertise will inspire and guide the next generation of trailblazers, bridging the gap between theory and real-world impact.

Application Instructions

Candidates are required to submit with their application a cover letter that includes research and teaching statements, a statement of leadership background and philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for three professional references.  Successful candidates will also present a vision for continued growth and development of the institute. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by November 1, 2024. The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled and will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. The start date for this position is negotiable, but the desired start date is January or August 2025.