Our culture thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries, and we strongly believe in the power of externally-funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader.
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Tenured + Tenure-Track Faculty Openings
SMU Lyle School of Engineering offers a collaborative environment where faculty can advance discovery, shape engineering education and develop future leaders. As part of an R1 research university in Dallas, Lyle combines interdisciplinary expertise and industry connections with a strong foundation for continued growth. We invite applications for a Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Operations Research and Engineering Management to help shape this next chapter.
As we look ahead, SMU Lyle remains dedicated to fostering growth and excellence through ongoing faculty recruitment in the coming years.
Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Operations Research and Engineering Management (Position #5728)
Position Description
The Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU), invites accomplished candidates for the position of Full Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM). The successful candidate for chair of the department will also hold an endowed professorship with the anticipated start date of August 1, 2027.
The Lyle School of Engineering has embarked on an ambitious journey, successfully hiring numerous outstanding faculty members, including several endowed professors during the recent past. Our culture of faculty growth thrives on innovation, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. We are committed to cutting-edge research funded by competitive federal grants, industry-funded projects and philanthropic gifts, which advances our academic goals and provides students with a competitive edge in the industry and/or academia. Our mission is to lead in the digital transformation of engineering education, equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to emerge as confident, capable leaders. Through excellence and innovation, we aim to significantly impact the engineering landscape and beyond.
The OREM department at SMU has experienced significant growth in faculty research in the last several years. The department offers undergraduate degrees in Management Science (including the dual BS degree in Data Science-Management Science) and highly sought-after graduate degrees in Engineering Management (MS and DEng), Operations Research (MS and PhD), and Systems Engineering (MS). OREM’s graduate degree programs attract significant interest from industry professionals in the DFW metroplex. Historically, 65 to 75% of the student body is made up of graduate students. Coupled with the increasing externally funded research, the department is well poised to continue making a deep and lasting impact on the broader field of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) and Operations Research (OR). Our faculty are actively engaged in research programs that cover a wide spectrum of theoretical and applied areas, including Optimization Methods, Applied Probability, Stochastics, Machine Learning, the Interface of Operations Research and Data Science, Infrastructure and Engineered Systems, and Supply Chain and Service Systems. This expertise forms a strong foundation, with a clear trajectory for expanding the department’s impact across all areas of ISE that align with our mission and degree programs.
We are seeking a visionary leader to further elevate the department’s intellectual, creative, and scholarly development. The successful candidate will hold an earned doctoral degree and have relevant academic experience, coupled with international recognition in their discipline(s). They will possess demonstrated excellence in technical, academic, and professional achievements, with a proven capacity for leadership. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic leader who can inspire continued growth in cutting-edge research and innovation within Industrial and Systems Engineering, with a strong focus on expanding collaborations with federal agencies, industry, and other external partners.
Qualifications
Qualifications for this position is an accomplished academic suitable for an endowed full professorship with an earned Ph.D. in the appropriate or a closely related discipline, with experience commensurate with the rank of full professor. The expertise will inspire and guide the next generation of trailblazers, bridging the gap between theory and real-world impact.
Application Instructions
Candidates are required to submit with their application a cover letter that includes research and teaching statements, a statement of leadership background and philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Successful candidates will also present a vision for continued growth and development of the department. To ensure full consideration for the position, the application must be received by November 20, 2026. The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled and will notify applicants of its employment decisions after the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check. The start date for this position is negotiable, but the desired start date is August 1, 2027.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.