Salary Type: Depends on qualifications

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Position: Tenure-Track (Probationary*)

Job Description

The department of Computer Information Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato invites applications for a probationary, Assistant Professor beginning August 17, 2026.

This position is for a new faculty member who will help support the Computer Information Science Department's undergraduate, work-based software engineering (SE) program.

After completing two years of core studies either at Minnesota State University, Mankato or another institution, students compete for a position in our upper-division SE program. The upper division experience starts with a one-semester residential ""Academy"" that takes place at the St. Paul College campus. During the ""Academy,"" students are prepared for four semesters of work in industry, including mastering skills for self-directed learning and finding an industry placement. Students then move on to four semesters of working at a paid co-op position in industry combined with virtual/distance study with our faculty. The work-based SE curriculum combines technical software engineering training with the professional skills development necessary to succeed in a STEM career.

Responsibilities in this position include facilitating aspects of the ""Academy"" semester, coaching and supporting students' industry placement work, teaching core and elective upper-division SE topics courses, and advising SE students. Course topics that SE faculty will teach include, but are not limited to, software engineering; project management; software quality, measurement and testing; software requirements; software architecture and design; and software process, lifecycle, and sustainability.

Candidates must have (a) an earned PhD in computer science, a software engineering field, or other closely related computing field; or (b) a master's degree in computer science, a software engineering field, or other closely related computing field and minimum of five years professional experience working in software engineering or a closely related field.

The successful candidate will continue to frame and guide the new SE program overall, mentor more junior faculty and other program team members as the program grows, engage with industry partners to help create successful work-based experiences for SE students; participate in curriculum design, instruction, and evaluation; help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion; pursue externally funded research/scholarly activities; and eventually help lead the ABET accreditation process for the SE program.

• A typical faculty workload responsibility may include up to twenty four (24) credits of instruction per academic year.

• The successful candidate may need to teach in other areas as assigned and qualified.

• May be expected to develop and deliver face-to-face, hybrid, and on-line instruction at the Mankato campus, online, and/or at the university's additional locations, as assigned.

• The successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues in curriculum design, instruction and evaluation, conduct research productively and mentor students in research, help create innovative strategies for student recruitment, retention, and completion, and may be expected to develop external grant funding opportunities.

• All faculty members are expected to engage in scholarly or creative activity or research, in continuing preparation and study, in contributing to student growth and development, and in providing service to the university and community (See Article 22 and Appendix G of the IFO Master Agreement)

• The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching undergraduate courses in Software Engineering.

• This position will be based on the St. Paul College campus.

• The successful candidate will engage with industry partners to help create successful work-based experiences for SE students.

• The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to active, applied learning and developing innovative ways to support learning, including project-based teaching pedagogies.

• Faculty will be knowledgeable about current industry trends and emerging research.

• This position will advise and mentor undergraduate SE students

Minimum Qualifications

• Academic and work experience that achieve one of the following: (a) an earned PhD in computer science, a software engineering field, or other closely related computing field; or (b) a master's degree in computer science, a software engineering field, or other closely related computing field and minimum of five years professional experience working in software engineering or a closely related field. Degree must be conferred on an official transcript by the date of appointment.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and to foster a professional environment that is inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all.

Preferred Qualification 

• Record of successful workplace collaboration and experience fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment while working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Demonstrated effective written, oral communication and presentation skills.

• Understanding of, and ability to incorporate, and/or experience using, project-based and/or work-based learning pedagogical methods in a computing field, including teaching, advising, and/or mentoring students in such programs.

• Ability to teach a variety of undergraduate, upper-division courses in software engineering; project management; software quality, measurement and testing; software requirements; software architecture and design; software process, lifecycle, and sustainability; and/or other courses to support SE program learning outcomes.  

• Demonstrated ability in, or strong potential for, development of industry partner relationships, particularly in garnering and supporting the software engineering work-based placements that form the basis of the software engineering program.

• Experience in starting, and successfully growing, new projects, organizations, or businesses.

• Success or strong potential for productivity in research, grant writing, creative activity and scholarship.

Application Procedures:

A complete online application will include the following attachments. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the search committee.

• Cover Letter

• Non-Photo Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Contact Information for three (3) references

• Unofficial Transcript(s) of your highest completed degree

• A brief (no more than one-page) response to the following: Provide a specific example from your professional or academic experience that demonstrates your ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. In your response, describe the actions you took to foster an environment that was inclusive, respectful, and equitable for all. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

• A one (1) page statement of your teaching philosophy, including your experience or familiarity with the use of active learning, project-based learning, and/or experiential learning.

• A one (1) page statement of your research/scholarly interests.

• Evidence of successful teaching, such as teaching evaluations.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Krista Sheely

Minnesota State University, Mankato

273 Wissink Hall

Mankato, MN 56001

Phone: 507-389-1412

TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711

Email: krista.sheely@mnsu.edu

Other Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at: http://mankato.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

Additional Information

The Department of Computer Information Science is comprised of 17 full-time faculty members actively engaged in teaching, research, professional development, and service. The department offers undergraduate majors in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Health Informatics; master's degrees in Information Technology, Data Science, Health Informatics and Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence; and minors and certificates for students with varying interests and backgrounds.

Applications from qualified candidates who are currently in, or have prior experience in, industrial positions are welcome. Appropriate weighting will be given to all candidates for demonstrated success in teaching and research in industrial settings.

Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at: www.mnsu.edu

*The salary range denoted above is the contractual range; however, salary upon hire is dependent upon qualifications and experience.

University Demographics

Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State system. Minnesota State has established a strategic vision, Equity 2030, which aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and geographic location by the end of the decade at every Minnesota State college and university and to provide an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The focus of the work includes:
· Enhancing access and student success.
· Providing Minnesota with the talent it needs.
· Anchoring the communities and regions we serve.
Equity 2030 seeks to bridge efforts occurring within divisions and institutions, creating an intentional statewide culture of equity-minded collaboration and resulting in equitable practice embedded throughout our institutions. The full Equity 2030 plan is linked here: https://www.minnstate.edu/Equity2030/index.html.

Destination 2030, the University's strategic plan announced by President Edward Inch in August 2023, commits the University to making transformative strides in four main areas: being a lifelong provider of access to an equitable and affordable education; being a leader in transformational learning generating inspired action; being a nimble and innovative steward of resources; and being a community of care built upon diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We seek to attract teacher-scholars who will be culturally and academically diverse faculty members, and staff with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. Minnesota State University, Mankato, is student-centered and focuses on applied research that expands knowledge; improves learning; and serves the region, state, and nation.

Founded as a Normal School in 1868, Minnesota State University, Mankato is now the second largest university in Minnesota with a tradition of combining big-ideas with real-world thinking to find solutions for pressing problems in the state, region, and global society. Mankato, Minnesota, is a community of nearly 44,500 people, about 85 miles southwest of the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The University acknowledges the land and the tribal nations upon this land whose work is being accomplished. We acknowledge that we are on Dakota land. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name-Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Serving approximately 17,900 students annually, the University is an applied research institution, with more than 200 academic programs, from bachelor's through doctoral degrees. The University is a diverse and global campus with 18% students of color and1,175 + international students from 95 countries, cutting-edge information technology solutions and extensive partnerships, with 1,600 faculty and staff, including 700 teaching faculty. The University has additional locations and a growing number of on-line programs to accelerate educational access and opportunity. These locations include partnerships in northern Minnesota's the iron range region. Fast facts about the university can be found here: https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/fast-facts/.

*Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at:https://admin.mnsu.edu/human-resources/our-benefits/bargaining-units-and-personnel-plans/.

NOTICE: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MN State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.