Job description
The Physics Department at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor Position in Electrical Engineering, starting in August 2026. A Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field is required; candidates who are ABD will also be considered. Applicants with Ph.D. in a closely related field must have completed at least 18 credit hours of coursework in graduate-level Electrical Engineering. Industrial experience and professional licensure will be considered in evaluating candidates.
The Electrical Engineering program is a newly established program within the Physics Department. EIU is primarily an undergraduate teaching institution with teaching loads that may include three lecture/lab classes per semester. Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive state university in a community of approximately 20,000 residents in east-central Illinois. Enrollment at the university is approximately 8,000 students and growing. EIU is dedicated to excellence in teaching within small-class settings. We seek a highly motivated candidate who can assist in the growth of the Electrical Engineering program.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in Electrical Engineering, mentor students in senior design projects, and involve undergraduate students in engineering-related research. Additional responsibilities include developing experiments for Electrical Engineering teaching labs and contributing to the ABET accreditation process.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $7,900.00 to $9,000.00 monthly for a 9-month contract.
Benefits Overview:
Eastern Illinois University is proud to offer an excellent benefits package designed to support our employees’ well-being and career goals. This position is eligible for the following benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
- Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
- Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
- Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
- Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.
For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.
The University and Community:
Celebrating more than 130 years of excellence, Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is a fully accredited, comprehensive regional residential institution located in Charleston, Illinois—ideally positioned between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The University is known for its individualized attention, supportive relationships, and exceptional outcomes, including high graduation, retention, and career placement rates. Academically, EIU combines personalized learning with nationally respected programs. Small class sizes allow for close mentorship from distinguished faculty, while innovative undergraduate and graduate programs and firsthand opportunities prepare students for meaningful professional and personal growth. Campus life at EIU is vibrant and community oriented.
The University features more than 50 buildings within walking distance, extensive recreational facilities, and more than 200 student organizations including NCAA Division I athletics, and 20+ fraternities and sororities. Cultural life thrives at the world-renowned Doudna Fine Arts Center and the Tarble, which bring exceptional artistic and performance experiences to campus and the region. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of a classic college town with convenient access to shops, dining, and outdoor recreation—alongside robust service opportunities coordinated through EIU’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. With its strong alumni network, sustainability efforts, and deep commitment to student success, Eastern Illinois University offers an exceptional environment to live, learn, and work.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life, and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.
Eastern Illinois University provides equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, applicants for employment, and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes, is strictly prohibited.
The University further commits to a program of affirmative action as prescribed by statute to employ, and advance in employment, qualified individuals with a disability and qualified protected veterans (disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, active-duty wartime veterans, and Armed Forces service medal veterans).
Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/female/disability/veteran – committed to achieving a diverse community.
How to apply
Review of applications will begin on February 19, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a letter of application (cover letter), a statement of teaching philosophy, a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, and have three letters of reference uploaded by recommenders, to Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/181148.
For questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Robert Strausbaugh, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].