Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering

Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering

Job Description Summary
The Department of Engineering Technology at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio is seeking a tenure-track faculty member to support the Plastics Engineering Technology program. Shawnee State University's Plastics Program is the only 4-year degree program in Plastics Engineering Technology in the state of Ohio and is one of four programs nationally accredited by ABET in Plastics Engineering Technology. The program provides a specialized, in-demand education through a combination of theory and hands-on lab application.

The Plastics program at Shawnee has recently renovated labs for plastics processing, materials testing, design, machining, and additive manufacturing. A new Advanced Manufacturing Center will expand the campus's manufacturing presence with additional lab space for automation and robotics. The new lab will also house a soybean product development lab, which is expected to create opportunities for collaboration with the plastics program.

Duties of the position include:

• Instructing undergraduate courses with an emphasis on hands-on labs with state-of-the-art equipment in the Plastics Engineering Technology program. Areas of instruction may include:
• Participating in curriculum and program advancement
  1. Contributing to ABET accreditation efforts, including incorporation of outcome assessments and corresponding improvements into curriculum.
  2. Staying current with industry trends and refining curriculum to maintain/improve alignment with industry needs
• Engaging with students in and out of the classroom in co-curricular activities. Opportunities include:
  1. Representing SSU with industry partners and organizations
  2. Advising and mentoring students applying for jobs/internships
  3. Mentoring student club(s)
  4. Engaging with prospective students
• Engaging in professional development and scholarly activities such as:
  1. Taking courses and attending workshops
  2. Undertaking inter-disciplinary research and projects with fellow SSU faculty

The search committee will review applications until the position is filled. Only online applications are accepted. Complete your application by clicking the Apply for this Job link above and including:

• a cover letter addressed to Professor Jason Witherell, Chair, Department of Engineering Technology, specifically addressing how your qualifications meet the posted minimum requirements of the position;
• CV;
• academic transcripts from all higher education institutions attended (official transcripts will be requested prior to hiring);
• 1 to 2-page statement of teaching philosophy;
• in the Professional References section of your application, enter a minimum of three references who can confirm your experience and abilities to perform the responsibilities of this position. The References you provide will receive an email containing a unique link that allows them to upload your reference letter confidentially. Reference letters should be addressed to Professor Jason Witherell, Chair, Department of Engineering Technology

Candidates invited for an on-campus interview will be required to present a teaching and lab demonstration of their abilities. Specific questions regarding this position may be directed to Adam Miller, Interim Dean, College of Business and Engineering Technology, amiller2@shawnee.edu.

Shawnee State University is the regional state university for South-Central Ohio. It is a primarily undergraduate, four-year public university with limited graduate degree programs. Enrollment is approximately 3,500 students. Shawnee State is located on the Ohio River in Portsmouth, Ohio – a small city nestled in a beautiful, rural area of Southern Ohio. Portsmouth is approximately an hour drive from Huntington, WV, and two hours from Columbus or Cincinnati, Ohio. Additional information about SSU is available at www.shawnee.edu.

Shawnee State offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience and qualifications) including an attractive benefits package (see Overview of Employee Benefits for more information). Employment with the University is dependent upon BOT budget approval for the fiscal year. Official transcripts and background check are required prior to hire.

SSU seeks individuals who share our commitment to students as our first priority.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Plastics Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Polymer Engineering, or a closely related discipline and five years of professional experience in related field or three years full-time post-secondary teaching experience at a regionally accredited institution OR doctorate or other terminal degree in Plastics Engineering Technology or closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience, skills, and competence to teach with emphasis on hands-on industrial labs and lecture courses consistent with a broad plastics engineering technology curriculum and industry needs.
• Demonstrable skills in oral and written communication in the English language;
• Professional experience in the areas of plastics processing technology including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, plastic part and mold design, CNC machining, compounding, materials testing, and/or material science.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in supporting ABET accreditation for undergraduate programs
• Teaching at the undergraduate level
• Experience with industrial robotics