About the University

Western Washington University is a public institution that was founded in 1893 and is comprised of about 16,000 students. It is recognized as the top public masters-granting university in the Pacific Northwest by US News & World Report. The Chronicle of Higher Education names Western as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, winning honors in two categories: teaching environment, and tenure clarity and process.

Western Washington University is located in scenic Bellingham, Washington, a town of about 90,000 residents nestled between the mountains of the North Cascades and the waters of Puget Sound. Recreational opportunities abound nearby, including biking, skiing, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and mountaineering. Bellingham is roughly 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and 90 miles north of Seattle, Washington, each with a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and home to many leading technology companies.

Western Washington University is committed to making continuous progress to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) where all community members feel truly safe, supported, and included. To learn more about Western's DEI initiatives, please visit https://www.wwu.edu/diversity

About the Department

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program, as one of four programs within the Engineering and Design Department, offers ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees. In response to high student demand and demand for graduates, the program is growing in both faculty and student numbers, and the State of Washington recently approved funding for the design phase of a new building to house Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and the Institute for Energy Studies. One of the forward-looking goals of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program is the development of a graduate program in Electrical and Computer Engineering which the new building is being designed to accommodate.

As stated in the Department’s Mission, the engineering programs in the Engineering and Design Departmenthave a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that develops industry-ready graduates through a combination of creative problem-solving, analytical skills development, and experiential learning. Most courses have a strong laboratory component to prepare students with the modern tools and processes used in industry.

The Department and the College of Sciences and Engineering are committed to creating equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for their students, faculty, and staff. A number of faculty-led initiatives and committees focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and beyond. Student clubs such as the Society of Women Engineers, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and Out in Science, are also vital to advancing inclusion within the college.

About the Position

Western Washington University (WWU) invites applications from candidates for two full-time, tenure-track faculty positions in Electrical and Computer Engineering (EECE) with a start date of September 16, 2021. While expecting to hire at the Assistant Professor level, candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered at the Associate Professor or Professor rank.

We seek individuals with teaching and research interests in any field relevant to electrical and computer engineering. For these positions we prefer individuals with interests in areas such asembedded systems, hardware security, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, and machine learning.

The position entails developing and teaching lab-based electrical and computer engineering courses, advising, research, community engagement, and service to support the program, the Department, and the University. This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the growth and development of the program which may include the development of new curriculum, research areas, and new laboratory facilities.

The position requires a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that supports the Department’s Mission. Teaching responsibilities include core courses in electrical and computer engineering, service courses for engineering and energy, as well as advanced courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. Scholarship responsibilities include developing and maintaining a relevant program of scholarship that involves undergraduate research. It is expected that the person fulfills working, teaching, and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide equitable and inclusive environments for all students, faculty, and staff.

Required Qualifications:

• One of the following:
  • A Ph.D. in electrical and/or computer engineering or a closely related discipline at time of application or ABD at time of application. If ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15^th of the first year of employment.
  • An earned MS degree in electrical or computer engineering, or a closely related discipline, with significant, recent, and relevant industry-based professional experience.
  • Teaching and research interests and experience that are closely aligned with the mission of the Department.
  • Commitment to cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.
  • Commitment and ability to teach core courses, service courses, and/or advanced courses in areas relevant to electrical and/or computer engineering.
  • Commitment and ability to maintain a relevant program of scholarly activity.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent, relevant experience in industry, industry sponsored grants, commercialization, and/or industry relations.
• Demonstrated ability and experience developing programs or scholarship relevant to cultivating learning environments that are equitable and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.
• Successful prior teaching experience.
• Teaching and research interests in areas such as embedded systems, hardware security, Internet of Things, cyber-physical systems, and machine learning.

Application Instructions

All applications must include the following six items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Letter of Application

A statement that addresses how you meet the required and preferred qualifications for the position, your ability and commitment to fulfill the position responsibilities, and your available starting date.

1. Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A statement of demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, scholarship and/or service. Please describe past contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and their impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field, as well as a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Western (for context and clarification of our expectations, we encourage you to view the web page at https://www.wwu.edu/diversitywhich highlights the leadership, initiatives, training, and events on diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus)

1. Teaching Statement

A statement of your teaching experience, interests, and plans for teaching core and advanced courses, and any experience teaching or coordinating undergraduate student projects, particularly any that were industry-sponsored. Include a summary of teaching evaluations, if applicable.

1. Research Statement

A statement of your research experience and interests. Include any research experience that involved undergraduate students and/or collaboration with industry.

1. Curriculum Vitae

1. References

The names and contact information for at least three professional references. Please do not send letters of recommendation; references will only be contacted directly for semi-finalists.

Closing Date Notes

Initial screening of applications will begin immediately; applications received by February 15, 2021 will receive full consideration. After this date, applications will still be accepted until the position is filled.