Assistant or Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering (Tenure Track) Ohio University

Biophysical Society; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio University is seeking a tenure-track faculty member in Mechanical Engineering, focused on controls, autonomy, or intelligent systems. Candidates should have a Ph.D., a commitment to teaching, and the potential for impactful research. Applications should be submitted by August 10, 2025.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required by start date.
• Strong track record for Associate Professor candidates.
• Potential for nationally/internationally recognized research.

Responsibilities

• Develop an externally funded research program.
• Teach courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Contribute to department operations and promotion.

Skills

Research innovation

Teaching excellence

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or closely related field

Job description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (with tenure) in the broad area of controls, autonomy, or intelligent systems. Application domains may include robotics, aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, energy, thermal-fluid systems, infrastructure, or biomedical engineering. The anticipated start is January 2026. We seek candidates who demonstrate both intellectual depth and breadth, a strong commitment to teaching excellence, and the potential (or proven record) for impactful, externally funded research. Candidates with experience in interdisciplinary collaboration are especially encouraged to apply.

A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field is required by the start date. Candidates applying for the Associate Professor rank must demonstrate a strong track record of success in research, teaching, and service consistent with tenure at that level. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded research program leading to national/international recognition, teach inspiring courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the operation and promotion of the department, college, university, and the profession. The ideal candidate should show the potential for excellence in these activities through journal publications, patents, professional conference presentations, course design and instruction, undergraduate and graduate mentorship, external outreach, technical committee participation, and related activities.

Applications should include a cover letter addressing the needs of the position, curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and plans, statement of teaching philosophy and experience, up to three academic publications, and contact information for at least three professional references. For full consideration, all application materials should be submitted by August 10, 2025.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering values research innovation, excellent teaching, student engagement, and interdisciplinary contributions, with faculty having extensive collaborations across departments, research centers and institutes, and colleges. Our faculty collaborate through several centers and institutes including: Center for Advanced Materials Processing, Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, Avionics Engineering Center, and Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment. The successful candidate will join a department consisting of fourteen faculty members. Annual departmental research expenditures are over $2.5 million, from a balance of federal, state, and industry sources. The department has 20 PhD students, 14 students each in our thesis-based mechanical engineering MS program, and 8 students in recently approved MSME Accelerated Graduate Pathway program. We have over 400 undergraduate students, and by graduation, 100% have participated in research, a co-op or internship, or a design competition. The Russ College benefits greatly from the $120 million Russ endowment, which supports engineering research and education, and this year opened a new 80,000 square foot research facility.

Ohio University, the oldest public university in the state, is proud to be classified as a Carnegie R1 institution—denoting very high research activity—one of only 187 nationwide. The university also recently completed its Dynamic Strategy process to craft a vision and goals across four pillars to guide the institution’s future. Athens is a quintessential college town in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, offering excellent academic and social opportunities and the convenience of small-town living in a single package.

EEO/AA PolicyOhio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.