Assistant Professor Jobs in California

The University of Southern California invites applications for a tenured or tenure-track position in the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (https://ise.usc.edu/) in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering (https://viterbischool.usc.edu/). The appointment can be made at the Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor rank. Candidates at the senior ranks must have demonstrated research excellence and sustained commitment to the discipline and are expected to have a vibrant research program with external funding. Exceptional senior candidates may be considered for a chaired professorship.

We invite applications from outstanding candidates with demonstrated excellence and commitment in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). Accomplished candidates with expertise in the core ISE methodological areas (e.g., computational science, optimization, probability, simulation, statistics, and systems lifecycle analysis) and interest in solving important societal problems (including but not limited to supply chain, transportation and logistics, healthcare, finance) are encouraged to apply. Applications from candidates with expertise in data science, machine learning, and related areas are also encouraged.

Our department’s search this year aligns with USC’s Computing initiative, which has already resulted in a $200 million gift for the naming of the Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (https://stevens-computing-ai.usc.edu/) that aims to advance computing research and education across all disciplines. Candidates will have the opportunity to be affiliated with the Mark and Mary Stevens School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence, with priority given to those whose research aligns with one or more of the following affinity areas: computing and (i) sustainability, (ii) security, (iii) health, and (iv) systems.

We seek an energetic individual who will participate in the department’s and the university’s research enterprise and engage with students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A successful candidate will establish a strong, externally funded, research program of national prominence while contributing to the core teaching mission of a top ISE department. An earned doctorate in Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a closely related field, is required.

Positions are available starting August 16, 2027. Candidates should apply at https://usccareers.usc.edu. Application materials must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests (each up to 2 pages) and contact information for three references. Applications received before October 10, 2026, will be considered for a pre-interview at the INFORMS Annual Meeting. To receive full consideration, all materials should be received by December 1, 2026; applications received after this date might not be considered.

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering is among the top-tier engineering schools in the world. It counts 213 full-time, tenure-track faculty members. Faculty engage in interdisciplinary research through the School’s research centers, including the Information Sciences Institute, the Institute for Creative Technologies, the Department of Homeland Security’s first University Center of Excellence (CREATE), the National Center for Metropolitan Transportation Research (METRANS), the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society (CAIS), and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM). The School is affiliated with the USC Stevens Center for Innovation. Our research expenditures typically exceed $177 million annually.

The annual base salary range for the following faculty ranks in this posting are:

• Assistant Professor: $120,000 - $140,000

• Associate Professor $145,000 - $170,000

• Full Professor: $180,000 - $250,000

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope of responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, and state.

USC is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100 or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.