Professor of Professional Practice and Director of ENDEAVOR Laboratory 

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University (OSU) seeks nominations and applications for a full-time, career-track Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the ENDEAVOR Laboratory with a 12-month appointment.

The Director will lead the operation, development, and continuous improvement of the ENDEAVOR Laboratory as an interdisciplinary and hands-on educational environment. They will promote excellence in teaching, applied research, and student development, ensuring high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and academic collaboration.

About the Laboratory: ENDEAVOR is the centerpiece of a paradigm shift underway at Oklahoma State University to expand instruction beyond the classroom and increase undergraduate laboratory and exploratory time for interdisciplinary, hands-on and industry-aligned learning. The newest building on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, ENDEAVOR will transform the landscape of research, innovation and design, and is the only one of its kind in the United States.

The 72,000-square-foot building boasts state-of-the-art technology in a largely glass environment, with a design that provides an immersive learning experience, inviting collaboration and cross pollination among disciplines.

Oklahoma State University is an R1 university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a comfortable community of 50,000 residents with strong public schools and affordable housing of high quality. Travel is convenient with an airport in Stillwater, as well as flight options from two cosmopolitan cities—Tulsa and Oklahoma City—which are only 65 miles away.

Qualifications: The successful candidate will need to be qualified to hold the title of Professor of Professional Practice.

Education

• Minimum master’s degree in Engineering or Applied Science.
• Preferred Doctorate degree in Engineering or Applied Sciences.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years managing laboratories, innovation centers, or interdisciplinary educational facilities.
• Minimum verifiable experience of 10 years in personnel management, industrial/academic safety, and budget administration.
• Minimum verifiable experience of 5 years teaching engineering-related courses and corresponding laboratories.
• Verifiable experience participating in national or international accreditation processes.
• Experience with creating new educational programs, interactive courses, and project-based instruction.
• Experience with creating or updating academic curricula.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of safety regulations and university laboratory safety best practices.
• Knowledge of inventory, storage, and asset management procedures.

Competencies

• Proactive leadership focused on solutions.
• Ability to work in dynamic and multitasking environments.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to empower teams through decisive leadership and strategic direction.

Applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The target starting date is Spring 2026, pending board approval. Questions may be directed by email to Associate Dean John Veenstra at jveenst@okstate.edu.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online using https://jobs.okstate.edu and submit a single PDF containing the following:

• A letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of capabilities and qualifications for academic department leadership and management
• Statement of philosophy on education, research, and academic management
• Contact information for at least five professional references

Submitted materials should use legible fonts and font sizes. Clarity and conciseness are encouraged. Applications that do not adhere to these guidelines may be rejected without review.

For assistance with the online application process or to request an accommodation to enable application, contact OSU Human Resources, 201 General Academic Building, Stillwater, OK 74078 or call 405-744-5449.