Associate Professor - Industrial & Mgmt. Systems Eng bei The University of South Florida Board of Trustees

Established in 1964 and currently led by Dean Levi Thompson, the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida is ranked #56 among public institutions (#89 overall) by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Engineering & Specialties Rankings. The college serves more than 3,700 students, offering nine bachelor’s programs as well as 12 master’s and eight doctoral degrees. The college is actively engaged in local and global research activities, with $46 million in research expenditure for the fiscal year 2023-2024. The college has 12 major research centers and institutes and is actively engaged in local and global research activities focused on sustainability, biomedical engineering, computing technology, and transportation.

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past ten years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report’s national university rankings than USF. Further, USF joined the American Association of Universities (AAU) in 2023. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee, the Florida Board of Governors designated USF as a Preeminent State Research University, placing it in the most elite category among the state’s 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu. 

An application package should include a cover letter indicating interest in a specific rank, a complete curriculum vitae with a list of publications and research grants, detailed contact information for four references, a one-page statement of the applicant’s research vision, and a one-page teaching statement. The cover letter should be addressed to Dr. Hadi Gard, Search Committee Chair, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering. Applicants must electronically submit the application packet as one PDF file to the following website: https://www.usf.edu/work-at-usf/careers/index.aspx . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace. The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other unlawful basis.  Dual career couples with questions about opportunities are encouraged to contact the Department chair. To request disability accommodations in the application and interview process, please notify Melanie Salarbux at (727) 873-4290 at least five working days in advance.  

Pursuant to Title IX, USF does not discriminate on the basis of sex in education programs or activities that it operates. Such protection extends to students, employees, admission, and employment. Questions or inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. The most current contact information for the USF Title IX Coordinator and resources can be found on the USF Title IX webpage at www.usf.edu/title-ix .

Minimum Qualifications:

 Minimum qualification will be a doctoral degree either in industrial engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field from an accredited research institution.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preferred qualifications include 1) Research expertise in one or more areas aligned with the department’s core thrust, including scalable, trustworthy, and human-centered AI-driven methodologies and solutions leveraging optimization, machine learning, statistical learning, and reinforcement learning, with applications in complex and smart socio-technical systems such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, healthcare, sustainable energy, logistics, and public health; 2) A strong publication record in top-tier peer-reviewed journals/conferences, and, if seeking associate professor rank, a high citation h-index; 3) Significant potential (or demonstrated record for associate level) for conducting research funded by grants and contracts from federal agencies and state/private sources as a principal investigator; 4) Potential/demonstrated ability to form multi-level, interdisciplinary research collaborations; 5) A strong potential/record of successfully funding and mentoring doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars;  6) Demonstrated experience/potential for developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses, particularly Ph.D. level courses. Successful candidates are expected to possess strong leadership and communication skills, work effectively in diverse teams, integrate research, education, and service activities, and be actively engaged in leadership in one or more professional societies.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.