Lecturer/Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Engineering

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

23h • $75,000 - $102,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University invites applications for a faculty position in the Engineering Partnership Program. The position may be hired at the Lecturer or Tenure-Track Assistant Professor level, depending on qualifications. We seek a dynamic teacher-scholar who thrives in student-centered, hands-on, and experiential learning environments and who enjoys program development and engaging instructional delivery. The successful candidate will play an active role in student recruitment, industry engagement, and community partnerships, helping to strengthen enrollment, enhance career-connected learning, and expand applied learning opportunities for students. This is an in-person, on-campus position on our vibrant residential campus in Gunnison, Colorado. The Western–CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program (EPP) blends top-tier academic experience with intensive hands-on and project-based learning in cutting-edge labs and classrooms in a new, state-of-the-art facility. Graduates of the EPP earn an engineering degree from CU Boulder while studying on Western’s campus. The EPP serves over 70 students across three majors Mechanical, Biomedical, and Aerospace (starting Fall 2026). The position collaborates with Western and CU faculty to deliver ABET accredited coursework and address overall program goals. Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape—rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year. Western’s faculty are teacher-scholars who contribute meaningfully to their discipline, the campus, our community, and beyond. We seek candidates who will actively support our institutional mission and strategic priorities, including: Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program; Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging; Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement; Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways. Building and sustaining relationships with industry, alumni, and community partners to support experiential learning, recruitment, and student success.

Requirements

• Applicants must hold a Master’s or PhD in Engineering or closely related field.
• A terminal degree (or ABD) is required for candidates applying for the tenure track assistant professor position.
• Candidates must possess strong communication skills
• a commitment to undergraduate education and to working directly with students.
• Collegiality is characteristic of the department and will be sought in the successful candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience includes Biomedical or Aerospace industry experience and/or education.
• Applicants with significant and broad teaching experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• play an active role in student recruitment
• industry engagement
• community partnerships
• helping to strengthen enrollment
• enhance career-connected learning
• expand applied learning opportunities for students
• deliver ABET accredited coursework
• address overall program goals
• Participating in our innovative Western Watershed General Education program
• Promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging
• Collaborating within and across disciplines to grow enrollment and deepen student engagement
• Expanding career-connected learning and professional pathways
• Building and sustaining relationships with industry, alumni, and community partners to support experiential learning, recruitment, and student success.

Benefits

• Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options.
• After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees