Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor-Computer Science

Position Information

Position Title: Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor-Computer Science
Department: Engineering Technology & Applied Computing
Appointment: 9 Months
Tenure Status: Non Tenure Track
FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary

Missouri Western State University’s College of Business and Professional Studies and the Department of the Engineering Technology and Applied Computing invites applications for a Professor of Practice (non-tenure track)/Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in Computer Science position beginning in August 2027. This is a 9-month appointment. The faculty rank is dependent on the candidate’s experience. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for the individual to modernize a computer science program aligned with industry/workforce needs. The successful candidate will be expected to teach courses related to computer science, and potentially, cybersecurity. This individual instructor is expected to plan, organize, and teach in a manner that facilitates student learning in keeping with the learning-centered values and goals of the university, as well as develop and manage industry partnerships.

Essential Job Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Teaching: Teach undergraduate students in the computer science program with cutting edge content. Use of best teaching practices in face-to-face, hybrid, and online classroom environments. Document students’ attendance, participation, and academic progress by giving and grading assignments, projects, quizzes and/or examinations that lead to a final grade; plan and create lectures, in-class activities, and assignments. Promote applied learning in course work. Develop and manage curricular materials, ensuring that they meet departmental and university standards; participation in campus initiatives related to teaching such as learning communities, honors programs, and applied learning. Maintain currency in one’s area of expertise and discipline.
• Scholarship: Engage in scholarly activities leading to peer-reviewed artifacts, including basic research, reviews and/or integrates prior research, applies current knowledge and innovations to important practices, and focuses on the nature and improvement of teaching .
• Service: Provide academic advising and support related to the academic progress of students; be accessible to students outside the classroom, providing ample periods of time for counseling and mentoring students in matters related to academic success; engage in service activities in support of departmental, college, and university needs; service supporting community outreach; service to relevant professional organizations; participate in student recruitment efforts as assigned; and establish industry partnerships for the purpose of providing applied learning experiences for students, as well as maintain program currency/relevance to ensure workforce readiness of students .
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a closely related field.
• Must be currently authorized to continuously work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree candidates are considered.
• Although teaching experience is not required, the qualified candidate will have a strong interest in teaching and advising students who are interested in the field.
• Workforce/Industry experience in software engineering, networking, operating systems and/or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in Python and Java programming, discrete structures and algorithm analysis.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Excellent teaching skills with an ability to coordinate with the faculty and students.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to engage large groups of people with complicated material
• Able to teach with appropriate real-world experience
• Able to demonstrate confidence teaching and presenting in a public forum
• Technologically adept: can utilize electronic communications, online learning management systems, and other forms of technology related to the position
• Passionate about specific academic fields and education in general
• Clearly understands curriculum design, pedagogy, and learning outcomes assessment

Physical Demands

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

University

Designated as the State of Missouri’s applied learning institution, Missouri Western State University is a public open-access institution located in St. Joseph, Missouri, on a beautiful 744-acre campus approximately 35 minutes north of the Kansas City International Airport. With 4,500 plus graduate and undergraduate students and over 29,000 alumni, Missouri Western is designated as a First-Gen Forward campus dedicated to academic innovation, regional and community partnerships, and a student-centered experience.

Missouri Western State University is an active participant in the educational, economic, cultural, and social development of the people and region it serves, and the campus’ distinctive focus on applied learning and research is a hallmark of its innovative teaching and learning environment. Missouri Western seeks to build an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups and women to apply for this position.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: F049P
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date: 08/23/2027
Open Date: 10/09/2026
Open Until Filled: Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Do you have prior experience in Higher Education?
   • Yes
   • No
2. What is your highest level of education attained? (Open Ended Question)
3. Briefly list your area(s) of research or teaching expertise. (Open Ended Question)
4. How many years of teaching experience do you have? (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Transcripts (unofficial)
4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Professional References (3-5 with contact information)
6. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness(Student Evaluations)
7. Statement of Teaching Philosophy (One Page)