Asst/Assoc Professor in AI/Robotics/Optical Engineering

Role details

Assistant /Associate Professor in AI/Robotics/Optical Engineering Position Number – F0035 - Tenure-Track Assistant / Associate Professor in AI/Robotics/Optical Engineering Job Description The Department of Engineering in The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Norfolk State University invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track Assistant/Associate professor in AI/Robotics/Optical Engineering at the Assistant/Associate Professor level to begin Fall 2027. Review of applications will begin on November 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities The successful candidate will join a cohesive faculty group in the Engineering department and be responsible for full participation in the management and oversight of undergraduate and graduate research and education program offerings. Faculty responsibilities include graduate and undergraduate course instruction; advising/mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and participation in departmental activities related to the future growth and direction of Engineering Department programs. Candidates must be prepared to manage a faculty-directed research effort in support of the technical objectives of the Engineering Department.

Overview of the Department Norfolk State has an emergent focus on semiconductor electronics, artificial intelligence/ machine learning, bioengineering, and engineered materials with applications in areas such as biomedicine, advanced signal processing, and space-based technologies. These activities are carried out by interdisciplinary teams that include Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science faculty.

Academic degree programs supported by the Engineering Department include bachelor and master of science degree programs in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, master of science and doctoral degree programs in Materials Science and Engineering, and a bachelor of science degree program in Optical Engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related engineering field. Tec hnical publication record related to the electrical engineering discipline. Evidence of the potential to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in the Norfolk State University EEE and Optical Engineering curriculum. Potential to teach courses supporting departmental tracks in AI/ Robotics/ Quantum engineering. Additional Considerations Potential for successful grantsmanship. Candidates should have strong communication skills as demonstrated in written works and the interview process.

The ability to conduct research and development activities in areas such as electronic design and analysis (EDA), design of quantum devices and systems or advanced microelectronic devices. The Engineering Department is particularly interested in candidates that can support teaching and research in AI / Roboics / Quantum engineering. A record of grantsmanship and funding with federal agencies is also preferred. How to Apply Candidates should submit: State of Virginia application. A cover letter of interest outlining research agenda and teaching interests. Current Curriculum Vitae. Philosophy of Teaching.

Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts are required of finalists). Three letters of reference. Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state application. NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background.

Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations. Norfolk State University Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs.

Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men’s basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands. About the City of Norfolk Norfolk is one of seven cities that make up the Hampton Roads Region. With a population of about two million, Hampton Roads is the 33rd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the nation, the 8th largest metro area in the Southeast, and the 2nd largest between Atlanta and Washington, DC.

It is home to the world's largest naval base, the Port of Virginia, one of the world's leading maritime gateways, and NATO’s only North American headquarters (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation). By virtue of its strategic location, it is a cosmopolitan area with many minority groups from every corner of the world. Norfolk has big city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, as well as cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard and is a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines year-round with other cruise lines using Norfolk as a port-of-call. In addition, the region boasts accessible parks, riverfronts, beaches, and numerous festivals, all favorable for weekend getaways.

Salary Starting at $97,000.00 Special Instructions: You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Candidates may show interest by submitting via online, the following: 1. A letter of interest (via cover letter). 2. A current resume (via resume). 3. Completed Application via Workday 4. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts accepted, however, official transcripts are required of finalist) (via transcripts). 5. Names and contact information for three job references (include with resume).

Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Workday Human Capital Management System (HCM). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or résumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position. Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration.

The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to University employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Contact Information: Name: Office of Human Resources Phone: 757-823-8160 Email: NO EMAILED DOCUMENTS ACCEPTED In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI).

Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.

Equal Opportunity

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