Job Details
Posting Number: FAC00109PO26
Advertised Title: Open Rank Professor-Tenure Track-Industrial Eng
Campus: Columbia
College/Division: College of Engineering and Computing
Department: CEC Mechanical Engineering
Advertised Salary Range: To commensurate with qualifications
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Hours per Week: 40
Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE)
Basis: 9 months
Work County: Richland
Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
Job Search Category: Faculty
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to…
earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Advertised Job Summary
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing (MCEC) at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, SC is seeking a qualified applicant for a Tenured and Tenure-Track faculty position (Open-Rank) to support its new Industrial Engineering (IE) program. USC and MCEC pursue a bold vision of supporting the state's growing manufacturing, technology, and nuclear industry through the addition of the new IE program while experiencing sustained growth in student numbers and research output. We aim to hire innovative and bold thought leaders focused on student success, outstanding research, and the motivation and drive to support the US and SC economy and industrial base. This open-rank position will have a tenure home in the Mechanical Engineering department. Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank must possess a PhD degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing engineering or closely related field by the start date of employment, a demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. Applicants for the ranks of Associate Professor and Full Professor must in addition have years of relevant academic experience commensurate with academic policy, plus a strong, sustained record of excellence in teaching, research, and service including competitive funding and interdisciplinary collaborations. Candidates with a strong vision for the future of Industrial Engineering education are highly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting edge areas of industrial and manufacturing engineering. In particular, candidates with a strong track record of research and teaching in the area of XR and Digital Twin applications in advanced manufacturing and construction, Applied AI and Physical AI, Human-Robot-Interaction and Safety are encouraged to apply. Experience in key SC industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, defense, and nuclear is a plus. The successful candidates must have the ability to (1) teach and develop Industrial Engineering curriculum (including lecture, laboratory, or design courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, (2) develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program, (3) collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across colleges and institutions, and (4) be engaged in professional activities.
USC is a Flagship, R1 research university experiencing sustained growth in number of students and research. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing has seven academic departments with over 40 academic programs, more than 3,600 undergraduate students, and received over $73m of competitive federal sponsored research awards in 2025. MCEC received a transformational gift naming the college in 2024 and is on a bold trajectory to continue its rapid rise in elevating student excellence, scholarly impact, and drive economic impact in South Carolina and across the US. This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213074 with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research and desired rank, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) names & contact information of at least three references.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Questions about the departmental search may be directed to: Professor Thor Wuest - twuest@sc.edu, Phone: +1-310-869-4897
Required Education and Experience
- Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank must possess a PhD degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing engineering or closely related field by the start date of employment.
- A demonstrated record of research accomplishments, and an outstanding capacity for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Applicants for the ranks of Associate Professor and Full Professor must possess education and requirements listed above and in addition years of relevant academic experience commensurate with academic policy, plus a strong, sustained record of excellence in teaching, research, and service including competitive funding and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Candidates with a strong track record of research and teaching in the area of XR and Digital Twin applications in advanced manufacturing and construction, Applied AI and Physical AI, Human-Robot-Interaction and Safety are encouraged to apply.
- Experience in key SC industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, defense, and nuclear is a plus.
Desired Start Date
08/16/2027
Job Open Date
09/10/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant
This position will be posted for a minimum of 45 days and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213074 with: (1) a cover letter indicating the main area of research and desired rank, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a concise description of research plans, (4) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (5) names & contact information of at least three references.
Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
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