About the Positions

Exceptional scholars from all fields of electrical and computer engineering are encouraged to apply, especially those who bring expertise in hardware security, embedded systems, or robotics.

The positions involve developing and teaching lab-based electrical and computer engineering courses, conducting research, advising students, engaging with the community, and contributing service to support the electrical and computer engineering program and the university. The two positions offer a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of the growth and development of the program, including the development of new curricula, research areas, and laboratory facilities. 

The positions require a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that supports the department’s mission. Responsibilities include teaching core and service courses in electrical and computer engineering, as well as developing and teaching advanced courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. Scholarship responsibilities include developing and maintaining a relevant program of scholarship that engages our students. It is expected that the successful candidate will fulfill working, teaching, and mentoring responsibilities in ways that provide an equitable and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

About the Electrical and Computer Engineering Program 

The Electrical and Computer Engineering program, as one of the four programs within the Engineering and Design Department, offers an ABET-accredited undergraduate degree and is preparing to launch a new master’s program in Electrical and Computer Engineering. In response to high student demand and industry demand for graduates, the program is growing in both faculty and student numbers and is in the final stages of restructuring into a new, standalone Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. A new state-of-the-art building to be completed in January 2025 will house Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and the Institute for Energy Studies. The new building will advance our commitment to student-centered learning and will provide research and development space for faculty and student projects. 

As stated in the department’s mission, the engineering programs in the Engineering and Design Department have a strong commitment to teaching and scholarship that develops industry-ready graduates through a combination of creative problem-solving, analytical skills development, and experiential learning. Most courses have a strong laboratory component to prepare students with the modern tools and processes used in industry.

The Department and the College of Science and Engineering are committed to creating equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for their students, faculty, and staff. A number of faculty-led initiatives and committees focus on accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom and beyond. Student clubs such as the Society of Women Engineers, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), and Out in Science, are also vital to advancing inclusion within the College.

About the University

Western Washington University is a public institution that was founded in 1893 and is comprised of about 15,000 students. It is recognized as one of the top public masters-granting universities in the Pacific Northwest according to the 2024 US News & World Report. The Chronicle of Higher Education names Western as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, winning honors in two categories: teaching environment, and tenure clarity and process. 

Western Washington University is located in scenic Bellingham, Washington, a coastal town of about 100,000 residents nestled between the mountains of the North Cascades and the waters of Puget Sound.  Recreational opportunities abound nearby, including biking, skiing, hiking, sailing, kayaking, and mountaineering.  The city is roughly 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and 90 miles north of Seattle, Washington, each with a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and home to many leading technology companies. 

Western Washington University is committed to making continuous progress to advance accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) so that all community members feel safe, supported, and included. To learn more about Western’s ADEI initiatives, please visit https://www.wwu.edu/diversity. 

• One of the following:
  • A Ph.D. in electrical and/or computer engineering or a closely related discipline at the time of application or ABD at the time of application. If ABD, all degree requirements must be completed by June 15^th of the first year of employment.
  • An earned MS degree in electrical and/or computer engineering, or a closely related discipline, with significant, recent, and relevant industry-based professional experience.
• Teaching and research interests and experience that are closely aligned with the mission of the Department.
• Commitment to cultivating learning environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.
• Commitment and ability to teach core courses, service courses, and advanced courses in areas relevant to electrical and computer engineering. This includes the commitment and ability to develop and teach graduate-level courses as part of the planned new master’s program.
• Commitment and ability to maintain a relevant program of scholarly activity. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Teaching and research interests in the areas of hardware security, embedded systems, or robotics.
• Successful prior teaching experience in areas relevant to electrical and computer engineering.
• Recent, relevant experience in industry, industry-sponsored grants, commercialization, and/or industry relations.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing programs or scholarship relevant to cultivating learning environments that are accessible, equitable, and inclusive of students with diverse social identities and backgrounds.

Conditions of Employment

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.

Salary

The starting salary range for assistant professor appointment, tenure-track is generally between $95,000-$100,000, with placement within the position’s salary range being based on qualifications and professional experience. The entire salary range for the assistant professor position is $95,000-$110,000, with the upper end of the salary range typically being achieved through collectively bargained salary adjustments.

Relocation assistance may be available per University guidelines. Salary and start-up funds are to be determined upon being offered the position.

Benefits Information

Benefits Overview for Faculty Positions

Bargaining Unit

United Faculty of Western Washington

Application Instructions

All applications must include the following six items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Letter of Application
   A statement that addresses how you meet the required and preferred qualifications for the position, your ability and commitment to fulfill the position responsibilities, and your available starting date.
   
   
3. Teaching Statement
   A statement of your teaching experience, interests, and plans for teaching core, advanced, and graduate-level courses, and any experience teaching or coordinating undergraduate student projects, particularly any that were industry-sponsored. Include a summary of teaching evaluations, if applicable. 
   
   
4. Research Statement
   A statement of your research experience and interests. Include any research experience that involved undergraduate or graduate student mentoring and/or collaboration with industry.
   
   
5. Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
   A statement of demonstrated commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, scholarship, and/or service. Please provide details of your experience and previous contributions to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and their impact on students, faculty, staff, and/or your field; describe how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Western (for context and clarification of our expectations, we encourage you to view the web page https://www.wwu.edu/diversity).
   
   
6. References
   The names and contact information of at least three professional references. Please do not send letters of recommendation; references for short-listed candidates will be directly contacted.

Review of applications will start December 1, 2024, and will continue until the positions are filled.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act ("The Clery Act"). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Western's campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services at vpsa.office@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires and rehires, which includes a sexual misconduct background check.