Endowed Software Engineering Chair — Industry Leader

Biola University, Inc.; La Mirada (CA); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Biola University, Inc. invites applications for The Wesley and Joy Daniels Endowed Chair in Software Engineering.

The role serves as a thought leader within the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, providing applied industry expertise to faculty, students, and staff to strengthen programs and research aligned with the School of Science, Technology and Health. PhD candidates tenure track; MS non-tenure track.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or Mathematics preferred.
• MS in an engineering discipline with significant industry experience considered.
• Industry experience preferred; familiarity with public-traded or regulated industries.
• Strong Christian commitment and faith–science integration.
• Track record of excellent college-level teaching is desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development in Software Engineering aligning with industry best practices.
• Advance department goals, represent the department at university events and committees.
• Develop curriculum, assess student learning outcomes, and implement improvements.
• Support and mentor faculty in teaching, research, and service.
• Coordinate recruitment and advising activities for students and programs.

Skills

PhD in Computer Science

Industry experience

Strong communication

Leadership in academia

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science

MS in engineering with significant industry experience

Job description

The Wesley and Joy Daniels Endowed Chair in Software Engineering

OVERVIEW

The role of the Endowed Chair is to serve as a thought leader of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department within SSTH and the university. The Endowed Chair will provide applied industry expertise to faculty, students and staff to strengthen the academic programs and research initiatives within the overall vision and scope of the School of Science, Technology and Health. For candidates with a PhD, this is a tenure track position. For candidates with an M.S., this is a non-tenure track position.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES—In collaboration with the Associate Dean:

LEADERSHIP

• Work with Department Chair and faculty to advance department academic goals & priorities based on disciplinary / program trends, school mission and vision, university mission and strategic plan, and larger higher education context

• Propose Software Engineering program policies in alignment with University & School vision, values, and policies

• Oversee program strengthening as it relates to Software Engineering, which includes developing curriculum, assessing student learning outcomes, and implementing changes based on fundamental, current, and evolving best practices in industry and accreditation

• Promote best practices in program curriculum, instruction, and digital autograding

• Identify and prioritize student curricular, industry certification, internship, and career needs

• Design, develop, and strengthen the Software Engineering curriculum, aligning it with modern industry best practices in areas like CI/CD, DevSecOps, Cybersecurity, AI, Cloud Computing, and Quantum Computing to ensure graduates solidify competencies for industry roles and premier graduate programs

• Represent the department to the school & campus community (i.e., via attendance at school meetings, service on key university committees)

• Represent the department to drive growth and community engagement by actively contributing to admissions events, alumni relations, fundraising efforts, grant applications, and industry partnerships

• Commit to ongoing growth as an academic leader and industry thought leader by engaging in a variety of professional development activities, such as seeking mentorship, pursuing advanced certifications, and contributing to the professional community at conferences'

• Support and uphold the Biblical Principles for the Use of AI, Data Classification Chart, and Data Handling Guide.

PEDAGOGY

• Evaluate, assess, monitor, and prepare curriculum improvements at the Program and Course level (e.g. PLOs, CLOs, lectures, recitations, computer lab courses, internships, graduate school placements, Corporate Affiliate Program placements, Career placements)

• Develop software engineering assessments and training exercises (coding interview prompts, coding interview evaluations, post-mortem case studies) to prepare students for employment and graduate school interviews

• Complete required paperwork well and in a timely manner (reports, proposals, forms)

• Contribute to department meeting agendas, accreditation plans, and strategic plans

• Develop Directed Research and Internship curricula for School Intellectual Property development via Software Engineering

• In collaboration with department faculty, teach alternate course loads that take into consideration department goals, program needs, and faculty development

• On a per semester basis, teach at a minimum of 25-50% and conduct research with student mentorship at 50-75%

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

• Serve as a mentor and model to department faculty in the areas of teaching, research, publication, presentation, exhibition and service and/or connect them to resources, conferences & networks that provide this support

• Maintain productive relationships with department colleagues (including availability, communication, building community and trust, and responding to faculty needs)

• Provide support to new faculty and/or adjunct faculty in their training and development, and connect them to resources in the Office of Educational Effectiveness

STUDENT SUPPORT & ADVOCACY

• Coordinate with Admissions and departmental faculty for recruiting prospective students

• Participate in academic advising with students one-on-one (including the support of peer advisors)

• Participate in department functions for maintaining active connection to, and engagement with, alumni

• Champion students in curricular and co-curricular activities (e.g. National Cyber League, AI Club, Quantitative Consulting Center, Consulting Club of Biola, AI Lab, etc.)

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Faculty Duties as Prescribed in the Faculty Handbook

QUALIFICATIONS
● Preference will be given to candidates with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or Mathematics. Candidates with an M.S. degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited institution may also be considered, provided they have significant relevant industry experience.
● Industry experience is preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in public-traded corporations and/or regulated industries.
● The candidate must have a strong Christian commitment with an interest in the integration of faith and science.
● Commitment to high-quality, innovative instruction in a student-centered and industry-guided environment.
● Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to relate to a diverse student body.
● A track record of software contributions in global products, cloud, cybersecurity and publications, and the ability to lead undergraduates in original research and development projects.
● A prior track record of excellent college level teaching is desired.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Heart seeking after God (Acts 13:22)

• Creative problem-solver with an ability to consider department, school, and institutional concerns in decision-making

• Inspire buy-in from department faculty, staff and students

• Desire to serve

• Respected by peers and administration

• Ability to create a great team among faculty and staff

• Knowledgeable about university policies & connected to university information lines

• Informed and aware of department life and activities

• Diplomatic

• Wise

• Lead by example

• Authentic, real, appropriate transparency

• Collaborative; connected to colleagues outside of the department

• Clear & efficient communicator

• Ability to make and implement difficult decisions

• Demonstrate work-life balance and reasonable boundaries

• Ability to consider the context and not take things personally

Salary Range of $117,000 - $128,000 with an additional Professional Stipend commensurate with industry experience

IN ORDER TO APPLY, PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR COVER LETTER, CURRICULUM VITAE, AND YOUR ONE PAGE DESCRIPTION OF HOW YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN. THANK YOU!