Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences (6360)

Northern Illinois University; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences. We seek candidates who excel in teaching, research, and service and who will help grow our strengths in thermal-fluid sciences and interdisciplinary areas.

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate courses, establish an externally funded research program, mentor students, and contribute to service

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering or a related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated strong potential to become an effective educator in a diverse and inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated strong potential to become a productive researcher.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Conduct externally funded research and publish in archival journals.
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in research and experiential learning.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.

Skills

Strong teaching potential

Research potential

Mentoring students

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent in mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

Find your Career at Northern Illinois University!

Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences (6360)

Working Position Title Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences (6360)

Classification Title

Position Number

Position Number 00006360

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/30/2026

Closing Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 01/01/2027

Business Unit Description

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job Code

Job Code 2000

Union Representation

Union Representation Union

Union Code

Union Code UFA - United Faculty Alliance

Unit/Department

Unit/Department Mechanical Engineering

College/Unit

College/Unit College of Eng & Eng Tech Dean

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location EB 226

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University (NIU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences. We seek candidates who are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service and who will contribute to the department’s growing strengths in thermal-fluid sciences and related interdisciplinary areas.

Overview

NIU is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university that values excellence, engagement, and innovation. The successful candidate will join a collaborative academic environment dedicated to advancing research, fostering student success, and preparing graduates to address complex engineering challenges. The position offers opportunities to work with undergraduate and graduate students while developing a vibrant, externally funded research program that enhances the department’s research portfolio.

Position Summary

The Assistant Professor in Computational Thermal-Fluid Sciences is expected to serve as an energetic and engaged educator for both undergraduate and graduate students, conduct externally funded research, publish in archival journals, and supervise students in experiential learning programs. The faculty member’s research agenda should strategically enhance the department’s portfolio in the field of thermal-fluid sciences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses
• Conduct and maintain an active, externally funded research program
• Publish scholarly work in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in research and experiential learning activities
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities, including committee work

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in mechanical engineering or a related field by the time of appointment
• Demonstrated strong potential to become an effective educator in a diverse and inclusive environment
• Demonstrated strong potential to become a productive researcher

Additional Requirements

N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in computational thermal sciences
• Research expertise in one or more emerging areas, including artificial intelligence (AI) applications, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and/or quantum computing
• Demonstrated potential to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations
• Evidence of potential to secure external research funding
• Ability to mentor graduate students and support research activities in emerging areas of computational thermal sciences

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Employment is contingent upon your passing a criminal background investigation. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
[e-mail]
815-753-0455

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affir ty Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [e-mail].

Supplemental Questions

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