Assistant Teaching Professor and Capstone Advisor

Assistant Teaching Professor and Capstone Advisor University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN Type: Full-Time Category: Computer Science; Computer Engineering Location: South Bend Description The ESTEEM Graduate Program is the flagship educational offering of Notre Dame's IDEA Center which provides resources for commercialization and technology de-risking. ESTEEM is an intensive 11‑month Master of Science program (June‑May) designed to transform STEM students into entrepreneurs. It merges technical skills with business acumen, featuring a hands‑on capstone project, industry‑sponsored ventures, and startup commercialization within an "entrepreneurial sandbox." Faculty with real‑world entrepreneurial experience as well as teaching experience are the at the heart of the program. ESTEEM is seeking an experienced professional who can support the program by: Teaching (45%) Serve in the role of Assistant Teaching Professor (Faculty designation). Teach a minimum of 3 courses per year in the ESTEEM curriculum, with a focus on the program's technical course offerings. Subject areas may include full‑stack web application development, software prototyping and MVP construction, applied AI and generative AI for product builders, data‑driven decision making, and technical product management. Collaborate with the Capstone Course Instructor to standardize deliverables, conduct oral exams, and optimize grading efficiency. Design, develop, and continuously iterate on technology‑focused courses that reflect current industry practices, emerging frameworks, and the evolving AI toolchain - ensuring that ESTEEM's technical curriculum remains at the leading edge. Integrate modern AI‑assisted development tools (e.g., AI code editors, agentic coding tools, workflow automation platforms, rapid prototyping environments) into course design so that students learn to build with, not just learn about, emerging technology. Employ project‑based and experiential learning pedagogies; structure courses around real‑world deliverables such as working prototypes, deployed applications, and validated technical concepts. Capstone Project Advising (45%) Serve as a primary capstone project adviser to 20-25 ESTEEM graduate students per year. The adviser will conduct regular one‑on‑one meetings with students according to the structure established in the capstone class, grade capstone deliverables, participate in formal presentations for each student, and maintain regular communication with project sponsors. Provide hands‑on technical guidance to students on their capstone projects, particularly on software architecture, prototype development, AI integration, and technology feasibility assessment, helping students translate sponsor‑defined problems into viable, buildable product concepts. Assist with regular capstone meetings for the entire ESTEEM class throughout the academic year. Ensure consistent and high‑quality communication between assigned students and their respective project sponsors; properly assess the overall quality of student engagement and delivery of work for all capstone projects under the adviser's supervision throughout the one‑year capstone experience. Provide ongoing feedback and recommendations to improve the capstone course structure and the overall capstone experience, with a focus on continuous improvement and advancement of the technical rigor of capstone deliverables. Participate in defining the "most ideal" capstone project. Help drive the automation and operational efficiency of the capstone program and broader ESTEEM processes by identifying, designing, and implementing AI‑powered solutions and workflow tools. Service (10%) Contribute to the ESTEEM program's ongoing strategic development by serving on internal committees, participating in curriculum review processes, and providing input on program direction. Accompany ESTEEM students on program trips, such as Chicago, Silicon Valley (Spring Break), and other possible trips. Provide occasional, supplemental support to the ESTEEM admissions team by serving as a technical resource for prospective students and external audiences on an as‑requested basis. Provide ad‑hoc career advising to students—particularly those pursuing technical or product‑oriented roles—and collaborate with the program by recommending aligned companies and tech startups for career fairs and student placement activities. Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field. A strong track record in technology commercialization, product development, and/or startups. Demonstrated expertise in full‑stack software development (including modern web frameworks, APIs, databases, and cloud infrastructure) with hands‑on, current fluency - not solely academic knowledge. Meaningful experience with generative AI and emerging technology, including practical application of AI tools in product development, prototyping, or workflow automation. Experience in entrepreneurship or venture building (either as a founder/co‑founder, early employee, or through corporate innovation and venture studio programs); demonstrated history of taking products from concept to launch. Prior teaching experience at the university level with demonstrated effectiveness, including evidence of strong student outcomes and high teaching evaluations. Strong involvement with and exposure to product design and development, including market validation, business model development, and prototyping. Able to effectively communicate with a wide spectrum of audiences - including science and engineering professionals as well as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate sponsors. Excellent written and oral presentation skills. Preferred Qualifications Track record of designing and iterating university‑level courses in software development, applied technology, or related technical disciplines over multiple semesters. Experience integrating AI‑assisted development tools (e.g., AI code editors, agentic AI, workflow automation platforms) into professional practice or academic curricula. Experience advising student teams through capstone, thesis, or commercialization projects involving technology development. Understanding of the Business Model Canvas, Lean Startup Methodology, and/or Design Sprint methodology. Experience mentoring early‑career technologists or student product teams, with a track record of placing graduates in technical or product roles. Strong project management skills and experience managing complex stakeholder relations. #J-18808-Ljbffr