Search for Department Chair in Systems Engineering and Operations Research

The George Mason University Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) Department, within the Volgenau School of Engineering, invites applications for the position of Department Chair and Professor. The department is seeking a highly accomplished individual to lead the department in enhancing its national and international reputation and expanding collaborations with academic, industrial, and government institutions. The anticipated start date for this position is August 2017. Applicant screening will begin on February 1, 2017 and continue until the position is filled. George Mason University has achieved tier-one (R1) ranking in research, the highest Carnegie research classification. Mason is the largest public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of over 35,000 students. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

The qualified candidate should be able to lead and support the faculty to ensure that learning of the highest quality flourishes at all levels, from undergraduate education to graduate and post-doctoral research. The candidate should be able to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators to achieve common goals and to represent the department both within the university and its alumni and to industry and government agencies.

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have an earned doctorate in Systems Engineering, Operations Research, or a closely aligned field and will have an exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service at a level commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. The successful candidate must also have a commitment to excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education and possess a broad appreciation for the diverse perspectives within Systems Engineering and Operations Research, and a strong interest in promoting sponsored research programs and mentoring faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who can provide strong leadership in setting strategic directions and priorities for the department at a time where rapid changes in technology provide new challenges for teaching and research. The successful applicant should have appropriate administrative experience, including fostering interdisciplinary research/education, and mentoring students, faculty and staff to ensure a collegial working environment. Candidates with experience across the disciplines of systems engineering, operations research, and data analytics are highly preferred.

About the Department

The SEOR department was established in 1986 and offers an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in Systems Engineering, M.S. degrees in both Systems Engineering and in Operations Research, and a Ph.D. degree in Systems Engineering and Operations Research. In addition, SEOR participates in the Volgenau School interdisciplinary M.S. degree in Data Analytics Engineering through its Predictive Analytics concentration. The SEOR programs are ranked 32nd nationally in their category in the US News and World Report. The department also offers specialized courses to government and industry that lead to seven graduate certificates. SEOR is home to close to 400 students, with 21 full-time faculty members with research interests in areas such as air transportation systems, defense and cyber security, systems architecting, data analytics, financial engineering, human-factors, and health operations research. Faculty members hold leadership positions in the School’s research centers where interdisciplinary research is conducted. The campus location enables SEOR to maintain close relationships with industry and government (i.e., the myriad of research entities, federal departments and agencies as well as think tanks and non-profit organizations in the DC area) through teaching and sponsored and collaborative research and allows our students and faculty to work on problems of great impact to the nation and the world. Further information about SEOR is available on our website.

For full consideration applicants must complete the online application for position F108AZ, and upload a cover letter, CV, vision statement for the Systems Engineering and Operations Research Department (to be attached as Other Doc), and the names of three references with contact information. Questions about the position should be addressed to Dr. Ariela Sofer, SEOR Department Chair and Professor, at [email protected].

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.