Job Information
Old Dominion University Associate/Full Professor & Inaugural Director for the Institute for Autonomous & Connected Systems (Tenure Track/Tenured) in Norfolk, Virginia
Posting Details
Job Title Associate/Full Professor & Inaugural Director for the Institute for Autonomous & Connected Systems (Tenure Track/Tenured)
Department COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECH
Position Number F0364A
Job Description
The Batten College of Engineering & Technology ( BCET ) at Old Dominion University ( ODU ) seeks an experienced, accomplished, and visionary leader to serve as the Inaugural Director of a newly established Institute for Autonomous & Connected Systems ( IACS ) starting Fall 2025. This is an open tenured/tenure-track faculty position for all engineering disciplines with a 10-month appointment at the Associate or Full professor rank in one of the departments in the college.
The primary responsibility of the Institute Director is to provide strategic leadership for the institute to realize its vision and mission in alignment with the BCET’s Strategic Plan “Focus on the Future”. The Inaugural Director will work collaboratively with the institute faculty and stakeholders to;
Establish effective strategic goals and develop a robust strategic plan for enhancing the quality, quantity, impact, and recognition of the sponsored research activities.
Encourage the institute faculty to pursue and secure research funding.
Oversee and coordinate the research activities.
Foster a culture of innovation within the institute; identify strengths, gaps, needs, and sustained growth opportunities.
Promote excellent research through synergistic interdisciplinary collaboration among the institute faculty and other faculty in the college and across campus.
Cultivate relationships and develop partnerships with other universities, government, industry, and funding agencies.
Create new and improve existing interdisciplinary engineering academic programs relevant to the institute mission.
Communicate research impact and represent the institute to the public and stakeholders.
Advise the Dean on all matters relating to the Institute and its mission.
The candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion among students, faculty and staff.
About the Institute:The IACS Institute brings together faculty and students across the Colleges of Engineering & Technology, Arts & Letters, and Sciences who have mutual interest in advancing the interdisciplinary research and development of autonomous and connected systems including uncrewed and autonomous vehicles in air, land, space, and maritime applications. The Institute serves to elevate awareness of ODU’s expertise in autonomous and connected systems, connect ODU researchers with relevant industry and government agencies, and pursue large team-based funding opportunities. IACS has an education mission and supports an undergraduate certificate program and a minor in Engineering, Design and Operation of Uncrewed Aerial Systems. The vision of IACS is to be recognized as a leader of innovation and applications of autonomous and connected systems. The Institute is also poised to create opportunities for research collaboration between the BCET , the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center ( VMASC ), and industry partners in the Hampton Roads regions.
Position Type FullTime
Type of Recruitment General Public
Type of Recruitment General Public
Minimum required education and/or special licenses, registrations, trainings, or certifications
The candidate must have a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in an engineering field relevant to the Institute’s core area of research and be eligible for a tenured or tenure-track appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in one of the departments in the BCET .
Minimum required level and type of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities
The candidate must be a recognized expert with extensive research experience as demonstrated by a distinguished record of scholarly accomplishments, peer-reviewed publications, external research funding, and contributions in the field.
The candidate must also demonstrate strong commitment to shared governance practices, transparency, consensus building, and collaborative leadership values.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong leadership, administrative, and communication skills.
The ability to develop and articulate a vision for advancing the mission of the institute through partnerships with industry and the government.
Prior leadership experience in leading large grants or in academic leadership roles such as department chair.
Experience as a Director of Research Center.
Conditions of Employment
Location Norfolk, VA
Job Open Date 12/02/2024
Application Review Date 02/02/2025
Open Until Filled Yes
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should visit https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/22177 to apply and attach the following with their online application:
A cover letter
A curriculum vitae
A statement of academic leadership and a vision for the institute
Unofficial graduate transcripts
Contact information for 3 references (no letter required).
Applications should be submitted by January 13, 2025, for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.
Telework Friendly No
Equity Statement
It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity at (757) 683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
About the College
About the Department
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
The Chronicle of Higher Education (website or print)
Higheredjobs.com
DiverseJobs.com
InsightIntoDiversity.com
Jobs.Virginia.gov
Old Dominion University website
Virginia Pilot (website or print)
Richmond Times Dispatch (website or print)
Academic Keys
Other
If you selected "Other," how did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Curriculum Vitae
Other Document
Unofficial Graduate Transcripts
Contact Information for Professional References
Optional Documents