Professor and Head of the Division of Systems Engineering

Position Description

Boston University

Division of Systems Engineering

Faculty Search Classified Advertisement

The College of Engineering at Boston University (BU) invites applications from senior candidates for a faculty position in the area of Systems Engineering. The successful candidate will serve as Head of the Division of Systems Engineering and will be appointed in either the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering or the Department of Mechanical Engineering, based on their background and expertise. The successful candidate will be a proven research leader who can build on and unify existing strengths that span both departments. Working in close partnership with the Center for Information and Systems Engineering (CISE) and the Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science and Engineering, the Division has established world-class research excellence in foundational areas—including control systems and decision sciences—as well as in applied domains such as robotics and autonomous systems, power and energy systems, physical AI, cyber-physical systems including smart cities, intelligent transportation and healthcare systems. Joint appointments with other BU departments and units are available for candidates with relevant interests and expertise.

Qualified candidates must possess a relevant, earned PhD, and have a demonstrated ability to develop robust, externally funded research programs in their area of expertise, teach effectively, and mentor early and mid-career faculty in the tradition of excellence that is characteristic of the College of Engineering. Self-motivated individuals who thrive on challenge and are eager to utilize their expertise to strengthen an ambitious program of divisional enhancement are desired.

Systems Engineering at BU is a world-class program with excellent resources that has national and international prominence for its exceptional research and education record. SE is one of two divisions in the College of Engineering. The College is comprised of three departments (Biomedical, Electrical & Computer, and Mechanical) and two graduate divisions (Systems and Materials Science & Engineering) consisting of 140 faculty, 100 staff, 1800 undergraduates and 1000 graduate students. The College of Engineering has risen rapidly in distinction over the past decade and is currently ranked 32nd, and in the top 20 in research dollars per faculty member, and in the top 10 in field-weighted citation index. Outstanding collaboration opportunities are available with nationally recognized medical centers and universities/colleges, nearby research centers, and industry throughout the Boston area.

Beyond its research and academic activities, BU has a lively, urban campus situated along the banks of the Charles River in Boston’s historic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. The campus and surrounding areas offer limitless opportunities for recreational activities, from world-class art and performances to sporting events and fine dining.

The salary range for full professors in the Systems Engineering Division at the College of Engineering is $225,000-$275,000. Applications received by November 15, 2026 will be given full consideration.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. Please visit to learn more about our shared values.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.