Instructor, Applied Engineering

The primary focus of this position is to support the Department's instructional mission by teaching a broad range of introductory, core, laboratory, and elective courses across Applied Engineering programs based on departmental needs and the candidate's qualifications.

In addition, the Department is interested in a candidate who can contribute to its efforts to introduce and appropriately integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies into Applied Engineering education to help prepare students for evolving industry needs.

The successful candidate should demonstrate strong teaching ability, multidisciplinary technical knowledge, flexibility, and a willingness to contribute to curriculum development, student success, and the continued growth of the Department.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Multidisciplinary Teaching Across Applied Engineering Programs

The primary responsibility of this position will be teaching appropriate courses across the Department's Applied Engineering programs. Depending on qualifications and departmental needs, the successful candidate will be expected to teach a combination of:

• Introductory courses
• Foundational courses
• Core courses
• Laboratory and hands-on courses
• Technical and professional electives

The successful candidate should demonstrate the academic preparation, technical knowledge, and teaching flexibility necessary to contribute across multiple Applied Engineering disciplines and programs.

Teaching assignments may evolve based on departmental needs, enrollment, curriculum changes, and the faculty member's qualifications.

Automation, Robotics, and Advanced Manufacturing Instruction

Contribute to instruction in Automation and Robotics and related applied manufacturing technologies, including computer-aided manufacturing, manufacturing automation and robotics, programmable controllers, advanced programmable controllers, control systems technology, and related laboratory or hands-on courses.

Provide practical, application-oriented learning experiences involving industrial controls, sensors, robotic systems, programming, automation of manufacturing systems, and integration of control technologies.

Support laboratory development, equipment use, student projects, and experiential learning activities associated with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

2. Applied AI and Emerging Technology Integration

In addition to the primary teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will be encouraged to support the Department's efforts to prepare students for emerging technological developments in industry. Depending on the candidate's expertise and departmental needs, responsibilities may include:

• Contributing to the development of an introductory Applied Artificial Intelligence course appropriate for Applied Engineering students.
• Developing or supporting AI-related elective courses.
• Introducing appropriate AI concepts, tools, and applications into existing Applied Engineering courses.
• Helping students understand practical applications of AI, data analytics, machine learning, automation, and related technologies.
• Developing hands-on and application-oriented learning experiences involving emerging technologies.
• Working collaboratively with faculty to identify appropriate opportunities for integrating AI and emerging technologies into departmental curricula.

The emphasis will be on practical and application-oriented uses of AI relevant to Applied Engineering students and industry, rather than theoretical computer science or advanced AI research.

3. Curriculum Development and Continuous Improvement

The successful candidate will actively participate in:

• Development and revision of courses and instructional materials.
• Development of laboratory exercises and hands-on learning experiences.
• Curriculum development and improvement.
• Updating courses to reflect evolving technologies and industry needs.
• Supporting appropriate integration of emerging technologies into Applied Engineering education.
• Participating in departmental assessment and continuous improvement activities as assigned.

4. Student Success and Professional Development

The successful candidate will:

• Provide effective and engaging instruction.
• Mentor and support students as assigned.
• Promote student retention and academic success.
• Support experiential and project-based learning.
• Help students develop technical, analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills.
• Assist in preparing students for changing workforce and industry needs.

5. Departmental Support, Outreach, and Service

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the overall mission and development of the Department through appropriate responsibilities such as:

• Participating in student recruitment and outreach activities.
• Supporting departmental initiatives designed to increase awareness and enrollment.
• Engaging with high schools, career and technical education programs, community colleges, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Participating in appropriate accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement activities.
• Supporting Industry Advisory Council activities and industry engagement.
• Participating in departmental, college, and University service activities as assigned.
• Participating in professional development to maintain current technical and industry knowledge.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree and master's degree in engineering, Engineering Technology, Applied Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Computer integrated Manufacturing, Computer Aided Design, Automation & Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or another closely related discipline.
  • Candidates who hold a relevant bachelor's degree and possess considerable relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Academic credentials and/or professional experience appropriate for teaching courses within the Applied Engineering Department.
• Demonstrated breadth of knowledge sufficient to teach appropriate introductory, foundational, core, laboratory, and/or elective courses.
• Demonstrated ability or potential for effective teaching.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Multidisciplinary engineering or technology education.
• Engineering fundamentals and introductory engineering courses.
• Laboratory and hands-on instruction.
• Programming, computing, or data analysis.
• Applied Artificial Intelligence.
• CAD, engineering graphics, or technical design.
• Statistics, quantitative methods, or quality systems.
• Manufacturing, industrial systems, automation, or emerging technologies.
• Curriculum development and experiential learning.
• Industry experience relevant to Applied Engineering.
• Student recruitment, outreach, and engagement.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV and unofficial transcripts to be considered for the position. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Appointment

This is a full-time, nine-month Instructor position. The successful candidate will primarily carry out teaching and other assigned faculty responsibilities during the academic year in accordance with university policies and departmental needs.

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the Department's instructional mission, student success, curriculum development, professional development, service, and other responsibilities appropriate to a full-time faculty appointment.

This position has an anticipated start date of January 4, 2027.

Summer and Departmental Support Opportunities

Depending on departmental needs, available funding, enrollment, and applicable University policies, summer teaching or other compensated assignments may be available but are not guaranteed.

Faculty members may also have opportunities to support departmental initiatives during the summer, including activities related to:

• Student recruitment and outreach;
• Engagement with high schools, career and technical education programs, and community colleges;
• Industry and community engagement;
• Curriculum and program development;
• Preparation for upcoming academic terms; and
• Other departmental initiatives consistent with university policies and available resources.

About Jacksonville State University

Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State University, also known as Jax State, is a learning-centered comprehensive public university in Jacksonville, Alabama. Nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to more than 10,400 students from more than 60 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment and supports them in achieving their educational, career and personal goals. As an institution of higher learning, it seeks to produce broadly educated graduates prepared for global engagement while promoting scholarly research and service activities that align with its academic and professional strengths.

Jax State is recognized as a top-tier regional university, climbing steadily in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings over the past four years. Also known as “the friendliest campus in the South,” Jax State offers a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs designed to prepare students for successful careers and lifelong learning. The University provides 46 undergraduate degree programs, 12 undergraduate microcredentials and certificates, 64 master's programs, three doctoral programs, seven Educational Specialist (EdS) programs and 15 graduate certificate programs and microcredentials. Many of these programs are available entirely online, offering flexibility to accommodate students' schedules and learning preferences.

The University maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring personalized instruction and mentorship in a supportive learning environment. With one of the highest percentages of accredited programs among universities nationwide, Jax State is committed to academic excellence and student success.

For more information, visit www.jsu.edu.

About the College of Business and Industry

The mission of the College of Business and Industry is to provide learners with a career-focused education emphasizing responsible judgment, innovative thinking, entrepreneurial skills and service to their communities. The College aims to serve the Southeast by being an integral, cooperative partner of the business community by assessing needs and providing the human and intellectual resources for the future.

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Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.