Open Rank Professor-Tenure Track-Industrial Eng

About the role

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. The aim is 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. 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. Questions about the departmental search may be directed to Professor Thor Wuest (twuest@sc.edu, +1‑310‑869‑4897).

Responsibilities

• Teach and develop Industrial Engineering curriculum (including lecture, laboratory, or design courses) at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Develop and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program.
• Collaborate within multi‑disciplinary teams of faculty and other researchers across colleges and institutions.
• Be engaged in professional activities.
• Develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs in cutting‑edge areas of industrial and manufacturing engineering.

Requirements

Applicants for the Assistant Professor rank must possess a PhD degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing engineering or a 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.

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 PhysicalAI, Human‑Robot‑Interaction and Safety are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in key SC industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, defense, and nuclear is a plus.