Assistant Professor - Operations Research

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at Virginia Tech is seeking applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting August 2027. The department is looking for outstanding candidates in Operations Research with strong methodological and theoretical skills in stochastic operations research, including applied probability, stochastic modeling and optimization, simulation, and related areas. Applications are encouraged from those with expertise in areas such as AI-enabled decision-making in supply chains and healthcare, the interface between simulation and AI, and resilient or data-driven systems. The ideal candidate will be motivated to contribute to a collegial, interdisciplinary community known for its strong tradition in both fundamental and applied research, as well as innovative teaching. The department is home to 42 full-time faculty members and offers academic programs and research in Human Factors Engineering & Ergonomics, Management & Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and Operations Research. Virginia Tech is a comprehensive land-grant institution with a commitment to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), emphasizing a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing leaders and problem-solvers. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, and Roanoke, with a strong emphasis on research, conducting over $650 million annually. The department is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its undergraduate and graduate ISE programs.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering, operations research, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated potential to develop a sustainable externally-funded research program.
• Ability to publish in leading IE/OR/OM/MS journals.
• Ability to produce research of the caliber recognized by major best-paper and publication awards.
• Ability to contribute to the department’s teaching mission at both the graduate and undergraduate levels by teaching courses in probability, probabilistic operations research, with the potential to contribute to teaching needs in simulation.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in collaborative research in areas represented by the department’s existing faculty.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work collaboratively with faculty from a variety of disciplines to expand disciplinary boundaries to address complex technical and societal challenges.
• Recognition of research excellence as measured by awards.
• Instructional experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and develop externally-funded independent research that is nationally recognized.
• Conscientiously mentor research-oriented graduate students.
• Teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Serve the university and their professional communities.

Benefits

• Endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities.
• Endorses and encourages participation in university shared governance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree