Assistant or Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University in University Park invites applications for a tenure-line faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, focusing on solutions for thermal management in large-scale electronics packaging.

Research may include modeling and experiments for electro-mechanical-thermal systems in data centers and AI computing contexts.

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering or closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated ability as a teacher or researcher with growth in scholarship.
• Evidence of scholarly or professional achievement.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Develop an internationally recognized, externally funded research program.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaborations and contribute to department and university service.

Skills

Thermal management

Thermal modeling

Experimentation

Collaboration

Education

PhD in engineering

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University in University Park is pleased to invite applications for a tenure-line position in Mechanical Engineering at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in the area of solutions for thermal management in large-scale electronics packaging. Solutions for thermal management can include modeling and/or experiments exploring electro-mechanical-thermal management of a range of electronics applications. Electronics for data centers and other high-capacity computing are a critical growth area for the AI revolution. This growth challenges the world energy supply, climate, reliability of the systems, and the economics of the AI revolution. This position would align with a new center at Penn State focusing on all aspects of semiconductor innovation. This position is co-funded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Materials Research Institute. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is home to more than 65 faculty, 350 graduate students, and 1110 undergraduate students. The faculty conduct in excess of $48M per year of funded research across a broad spectrum of traditional and emerging areas. Penn State actively encourages and provides resources for interdisciplinary research collaboration through university-level institutes primarily focused on materials, health, and energy. The Department offers separate B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in mechanical engineering including online graduate programs in mechanical engineering and in additive manufacturing and design. The Department has a dedicated faculty and staff forming a strong sense of community and belonging. Further information on the Department can be found at: http://www.me.psu.edu/. Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI) is a university-wide research institute that connects and supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers that are solving some of the world’s most difficult materials challenges. Further information on MRI can be found at https://www.mri.psu.edu/.

The Assistant Professor should possess a Ph.D. in engineering or a closely related field by the appointment start date; must have demonstrated ability as a teacher or research worker; and must have shown definite evidence of growth in scholarly or professional achievement.

The Associate Professor should possess the same qualifications as the Assistant Professor, but must also provide evidence of an established reputation in scholarly or professional achievement.

The successful candidates are expected to teach courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, to develop an internationally recognized, externally-funded research program, and to contribute to the operation and promotion of the department, college, university, and profession through service. The successful candidate will also assume a key role in interdisciplinary research collaborations and is co-funded through Penn State University’s Materials Research Institute. The successful candidate should be a collaborative leader who will promote and enhance excellence and innovation in interdisciplinary research.

Nominations and applications will be considered until the positions are filled. Screening of applicants will begin on November 16, 2026.

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae
• a statement on research
• a statement on teaching
• a statement on alignment with and experience related to Penn State’s Values of Respect and Community
• copies of 3 key publications
• names and addresses of five professional references

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine all materials into a single PDF to meet the 5-document limit.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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