Professional Practice Assistant Professor

Overview

The College of Engineering at Utah State University seeks applicants for a full-time academic-year, (9-month) Professional Practice Faculty position to be based in Price, UT at the USU Eastern Campus. This is a teaching-focused, non-tenure-track faculty position expected to be filled at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, depending on qualifications and experience. The position will report to the Associate Dean for Academics and will be administratively housed in one of the college’s departments (Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Computing) based on the candidate’s educational and professional background.

This position plays a key role in the College’s efforts to expand access to high-quality engineering education across the state and to support student success, particularly among place-bound and first-generation college students. The successful candidate will deliver engaging, student-centered instruction in first- and second-year courses such as statics, dynamics, introductory engineering, programming for engineers, basic electronics, and solid mechanics. The position will also help support the new Energy Engineering program that will be delivered statewide. Specific teaching assignments will be determined by the Associate Dean for Academics.

The faculty member will teach in a range of teaching delivery modalities including in-person, hybrid, connect, online, and virtual, and will work closely with faculty across multiple campuses to ensure consistency in curriculum, learning outcomes, and student experience. In addition to teaching, the position includes mentoring and advising undergraduate students, supporting their academic and professional development during the early stages of their engineering education.

We seek candidates with a strong cross-disciplinary background in engineering who are passionate about teaching, mentoring and effective communication. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated excellence in undergraduate instruction, a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals, and relevant professional experience that enhances their ability to connect theory to practice. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to outreach and engagement efforts within the communities served by USU eastern that promote engineering pathways and support the mission of the College of Engineering across Utah.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on July 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Possible start dates, coinciding with USU’s semester schedule, are August 2026 and January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate engineering courses with a primary focus on first- and second-year students, including foundational subjects such as statics, dynamics, introductory engineering, programming, basic electronics, and solid mechanics.
• Deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction in both in-person and remote formats, supporting access to engineering education across multiple campuses.
• Contribute to the Engineering Foundations program.
• Contribute to ABET accreditation activities.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate students, fostering academic success, retention, and progression into engineering degree programs.
• Create an engaging learning environment that supports a diverse student population, including rural, place-bound and first-generation students.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across the College of Engineering, and USU Eastern to ensure consistency and quality in course delivery across campuses.
• Participate in outreach and recruitment activities that promote engineering and STEM careers and pathways throughout the state, particularly in communities served by USU Eastern.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance teaching effectiveness, instructional innovation, and knowledge of engineering practice.
• Contribute to departmental, campus, and college service activities as appropriate for a Professor of Practice appointment.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D., M.S., or M.E. degree in Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching undergraduate engineering students, particularly at the first- and second-year levels.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate and effectively teach foundational engineering concepts, including statics, dynamics, basic electronics, solid mechanics, and introductory courses that expose students to multiple engineering disciplines and essential problem-solving skills.
• Strong dedication to student success, including experience mentoring, advising, and supporting a diverse population of students in developing academic and professional skills.
• Ability to design, deliver, and continuously improve engaging, student-centered instruction across multiple teaching delivery modalities.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty across disciplines and campuses to ensure alignment and consistency in curriculum and student learning outcomes.
• Commitment to promoting engineering education statewide and supporting outreach and pathway development for students at statewide campuses.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please include:

Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV".

The documents listed below to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10”:

Cover letter summarizing your qualifications, experience, career goals, and interest in the position.

A teaching philosophy statement that explains your approach to teaching and mentoring students.

Names and contact information of three professional references

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits.

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

The College of Engineering at Utah State University offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, with additional programs planned for the near future. As part of its mission to broaden access, the College is expanding its engineering courses and degree pathways to locations across the state through both in-person instruction and remote delivery. In support of student success, the College has recently redesigned its first-year experience through the Engineering Foundations program, in which students complete a common set of introductory courses and earn a certificate upon completion. The Professor of Practice position will contribute to this initiative by delivering both in-person and remote instruction at USU Eastern in Price, Utah, with a primary focus on courses that are central to the Engineering Foundations curriculum. 

Utah State University Eastern, located in Price, Utah, provides a student-centered learning environment characterized by small class sizes and a strong commitment to access and success for students in rural and regional communities. With an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and a low student-to-faculty ratio, the campus offers personalized instruction and meaningful faculty-student engagement. Nestled in the scenic Castle Valley, USU Eastern provides a supportive setting that is ideal for students beginning their academic careers. As part of the College of Engineering’s statewide expansion efforts, the campus is growing its engineering offerings so that students will soon be able to complete the first two years of an engineering degree entirely in Price before transitioning to upper-division programs. This development strengthens local access to engineering education and creates a seamless pathway for students to pursue engineering degrees while remaining connected to their communities.

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026