Job Summary

The College of Engineering and the Purdue Systems Collaboratory (PSC) at Purdue University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of PSC and Full Professor. Purdue University seeks to attract exceptional candidates with interests and expertise in Systems Engineering, Multi-Scale Modeling, Complex Systems or related fields.

The director and faculty member will become part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community of scholars who are committed to building the science of systems needed to engineer next-generation complex systems effectively, thereby helping to address many of the societal grand challenges of the 21st century. We seek accomplished candidates with expertise in, but not limited to, one or more of the following multidisciplinary areas: i) Multi-Scale Modeling, ii) Uncertainty Modeling and Management, iii) Network Science, and iv) Decision-Making and Human Behavior Modeling. In addition to the methodological expertise, we expect the candidates to have domain expertise that will complement Purdue’s strengths in areas of national need, such as energy systems, manufacturing and service industries, transportation infrastructure, water network, global enterprises, defense systems, climate/environment and ecology, and healthcare policy and delivery.

Successful candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline by the employment start date and demonstrate potential to build and lead an interdisciplinary research program, as well as potential to educate and mentor students. The successful candidate will catalyze innovation and disruption in the field that leads to scientific and/or technical breakthroughs. The successful candidate should possess:

•    Accomplishments that merit appointment as a tenured Full Professor.
•    Demonstrated record of research in a Systems related field.
•    Experience in leading and managing interdisciplinary teams.
•    A strong record of securing extramural funding for research.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with external entities, faculty, staff, and students in research, educational, and workforce development efforts.

The leadership role as Director of the PSC includes: 

•    Leading the research, educational, and engagement efforts of PSC. 
•    Fostering and strengthening collaborative research opportunities with faculty in Purdue’s world-renowned Colleges, including Engineering, Business, Science, Health and Human Sciences, Pharmacy, Liberal Arts, and Agriculture.
•    Engaging with manufacturing, information, healthcare, and energy industries in the region.
•    Developing and teaching courses in systems.

Purdue Systems Collaboratory and College of Engineering

Purdue University, a top public research institution, offers higher education at its highest proven value. Committed to student success, Purdue is changing the student experience with greater focus on faculty-student interaction and creative use of technology. Committed to pursuing scientific discoveries and engineered solutions, Purdue has streamlined pathways for faculty and student innovators who have a vision for moving the world forward. Purdue University placed No. 1 among U.S. public universities and was named the No. 9 most recognized university in the world in the 2024-25 Global University Visibility (GUV) rankings.

Purdue Engineering is one of the largest and top-ranked engineering colleges in the nation and renowned for top-notch faculty, students, unique research facilities, and a culture of collegiality and persistent pursuit of pre-eminence. According to the latest US News and World Report’s disciplinary graduate program rankings, Purdue Engineering has 3 disciplines ranked in the top 5 in the country and 10 in the top 10. Purdue Engineering as a whole is ranked 3rd for online graduate engineering programs, 6th for graduate programs. For three years running, Purdue is ranked by the USPTO as No.2 University campus in the US in terms of annual number of US patents issued, and nearly 70% of those patents come from Purdue Engineering. The College Vision for 2030 is guiding strategic growth in new directions, by investing in people, exciting initiatives, and facilities.

Purdue Systems Collaboratory (PSC) was formed in 2015 to facilitate broad, transdisciplinary investigations of systems, their interactions with other diverse and assumed unrelated systems, and the aftereffects of major system disruptions. PSC contributes foundational ‘Systems-Thinking’ principles to research, education, and practice through value-added collaborative models. What’s most important about PSC is that it drives home the concept of the convergence of knowledge – across the physical sciences, social sciences, arts, life sciences – which sets us apart from other universities.

Application Process

To apply, please submit application to this site including (1) cover letter, (2) a complete curriculum vitae, (3) teaching plan, (4) research plan, and (5) names and contact information for at least 4 references. The search committee may contact references to request letters. For information/questions regarding applications contact the Office of Academic Affairs, College of Engineering, at coeacademicaffairs@purdue.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 7, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.  A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue and the College of Engineering have a Concierge Program that provides dual career assistance and relocation services.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women,

individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.