Title: F0003 - Tenure-Track Assistant or Associate Professor in Optical Engineering

State Role Title: Faculty-Teaching/Research

Hiring Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk State University

Agency Website: www.nsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Job Description
The Department of Engineering in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at Norfolk State University invites applications for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position in Optical Engineering at the Assistant or Associate Professor level to begin Fall 2026. A Review of applications will begin on January 20, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will join a cohesive faculty group in Optical and Electrical Engineering and be responsible for full participation in the management and oversight of research and education program offerings for undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in optical engineering, including geometric and physical optics, optical system design, and related areas; advising/mentoring undergraduate and graduate students; and participation in departmental activities related to the future growth and direction of Engineering Department programs. Candidates must be prepared to manage a faculty-directed research effort in support of the educational and research objectives of the Engineering Department. This includes the development of innovative curricula that advances the application of optics in medicine, environmental science, or photonic integrated circuits.

Overview of the Department
The Norfolk State University Engineering Department has emergent research thrusts in bioscience, quantum engineering, and photonic nanotechnologies. NSU Engineering faculty also pursue research in smart electronic systems and materials, and mixed- and augmented reality. These activities are carried out by interdisciplinary teams that include Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science faculty. Academic degree programs supported by the Engineering Department include bachelor of science in Optical Engineering, bachelor of science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering; master of science in Electronics Engineering, and master of science and doctoral degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations
Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background. Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations.

Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs. Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men’s basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands.

About the City of Norfolk
Norfolk is one of seven cities that make up the Hampton Roads Region. With a population of about two million, Hampton Roads is the 33rd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the nation, the 8th largest metro area in the Southeast, and the 2nd largest between Atlanta and Washington, DC. It is home to the world's largest naval base, the Port of Virginia, one of the world's leading maritime gateways, and NATO’s only North American headquarters (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation). By virtue of its strategic location, it is a cosmopolitan area with many minority groups from every corner of the world. Norfolk has big city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, as well as cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard and is a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines year-round with other cruise lines using Norfolk as a port-of-call. In addition, the region boasts accessible parks, riverfronts, beaches, and numerous festivals, all favorable for weekend getaways.

EEO STATEMENT
NSU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. NSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Biosciences or a related field.
2. Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate courses in an optical engineering curriculum.
3. Ability to teach courses for the biomedical track within the Engineering Department.
   

Additional Considerations

1. Preferred qualifications include industrial or collegiate experience in the design and application of advanced optical tooling to support research in environmental science, medicine, or microelectronics.
2. Ability to develop courses for the biomedical track within the Engineering Department.
3. Strong communication skills as demonstrated in written works and the interview process.
4. Prior experience in curricular reform to support recruitment and retention.
   

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit:

1. State of Virginia application.
2. A cover letter of interest outlining research agenda and teaching interests.
3. Current Curriculum Vitae.
4. Philosophy of Teaching.
5. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts are required of finalists).
   8. Three letters of reference.
   Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state application.
   Questions about this position may be directed to Dr. Patricia F. Mead, Chair, Department of Engineering, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504, 757(451)-7722, pmead@nsu.edu
   
   
   
   Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of Virginia Employees Only), must attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from either the electronic application and/or resumé. RMS provides a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS account to check the status of your application for this position. Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include: criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to university employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Contact Information

Name: Norfolk State University

Phone: 757-823-8160

Email: Emailed material not accepted

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.