Part-Time Instructor Position

The Information Systems Program seeks a part-time instructor for Spring 2026 to guide students through the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies—with particular emphasis on AI-driven business models and startup development.

Course Overview

This course introduces IS students to the principles of innovation and startup development through hands-on exploration of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence. Students will work in teams to develop startup concepts from ideation through initial market validation, learning frameworks used by successful tech entrepreneurs and venture-backed companies. The course emphasizes interactive learning, real-world case discussions, and practical application of entrepreneurial principles.

Required Qualifications:

?     Entrepreneurial experience: Founded, co-founded, or held senior product/strategy roles in multiple technology ventures

?     10+ years of active involvement in the startup ecosystem

?     Demonstrated success taking products from concept to market

?     Experience with AI-driven startups and their business models

?     Deep familiarity with the startup ecosystem, including funding stages, accelerator programs (e.g., Y Combinator, Techstars), and venture capital dynamics

?     Prior teaching or significant mentoring experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, or technology domains

Highly Desirable:

?     Experience advising early-stage founders or serving in startup advisory/board roles

?     Background in user-centered design and technology product development

?     Network within the tech and VC communities for guest speaker recruitment

?     Investment experience (angel investing, VC, or accelerator involvement)

?     Track record of guiding founders through pivots, customer discovery, and product-market fit

Key Responsibilities

?     Lead interactive lectures and facilitate engaging case discussions on innovation frameworks, business model development, and startup strategy

?     Mentor student teams as they develop and refine startup concepts throughout the semester

?     Integrate real-world perspectives by recruiting and coordinating guest speakers from tech companies, venture capital firms, and accelerator programs

?     Provide actionable feedback on pitch decks, business models, and go-to-market strategies

?     Create a dynamic, practice-oriented learning environment that bridges theory and entrepreneurial execution

?     Assess student work through a combination of team projects, presentations, and individual contributions

Apply directly to Joseph Mertz, Program Director, Undergraduate Information Systems - joemertz@cmu.edu

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon (www.cmu.edu) is a private, internationally ranked research university with programs in areas ranging from science, technology and business, to public policy, the humanities and the arts. More than 12,000 students in the university’s seven schools and colleges benefit from a small student-to-faculty ratio and an education characterized by its focus on creating and implementing solutions for real problems, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. A global university, Carnegie Mellon’s main campus in the United States is in Pittsburgh, Pa. It has campuses in California’s Silicon Valley and Qatar, and programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and Mexico.

Connections working at Carnegie Mellon University