Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications for multiple tenure-track Assistant Professor positions. We seek scholars with excellence in teaching and a strong, externally-funded research program.

Successful candidates will contribute to undergraduate and graduate education and collaborate across disciplines. Applicants should hold a PhD in mechanical engineering or closely related fields by appointment.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated or high potential for teaching mechanical engineering courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Demonstrated or high potential for developing a successful research program.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical engineering and advise students as appropriate.
• Establish and lead a robust research program with externally-funded opportunities.
• Participate in service activities at department, school, and university levels.

Skills

Teaching ability

Research development

Education

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Overview

The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is seeking outstanding candidates for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek dynamic and innovative scholars who are passionate about collaborative research, excellence in teaching, and advancing the field of mechanical engineering through impactful research and education.

The department welcomes applicants whose research complements and expands existing strengths within the department. The examples below illustrate areas of potential interest.

• Mechanics, materials, and manufacturing: solid andcomputational mechanics, advanced materials, advancedmanufacturing
• Energy and transport: energy systems, thermal and fluidsciences, sustainability
• Robotics and intelligent systems: robotics, autonomousvehicles, controls
• Emerging and interdisciplinary areas: researchconnecting mechanical engineering with health, climate,infrastructure, or other fields

Outstanding candidates in other mechanical engineering fields may also be considered. Candidates whose work bridges traditional mechanical engineering disciplines or promotes interdisciplinary collaboration are especially encouraged to apply.

The Assistant Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

Applications are sought from candidates with earned doctorates in mechanical engineering or closely related fields by the time of appointment. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the development of academic programs and a strong research program. Successful candidates will be results-oriented, have a record of superior scholarship, have demonstrated potential to develop an externally-funded research program, and teach high-quality courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The KU ME Department currently has programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Increasing research innovation and collaborations to make a difference in the world are priorities in the department.

The KU School of Engineering has embarked on a strategic plan that leads to significant expansion while maintaining and improving the existing high-quality student programs. This approach drives growth in facilities, faculty, students, leadership, and research as it helps industry partners find the new talent, designs, and techniques they need to fuel economic growth and business success.

The KU School of Engineering is most interested in applicants committed to excellence who can contribute to the University’s innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary initiatives to educate leaders, build healthy and vibrant communities, and make discoveries that will change the world.

KU's main campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation; located in Lawrence, a thriving city of 97,000, 30 minutes west of Kansas City in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU’s strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery. KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Screening of applications will begin on November 9, 2026 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received. The target start date is August 18, 2027.

Job Duties

40% Teaching.

Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Mechanical Engineering department. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student advising as appropriate. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as the major advisor of Master’s and Doctoral students.

40% Research.

Establish a strong research agenda in areas of expertise that overlap, support, or expand the current research in the department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings.Collaborate with faculty and professional staff on KU campuses as appropriate.

20% Service.

Perform Department, School, University, and professional service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank. Participate in local, national, and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Foster a positive relationship with industry and the community. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

Required Qualifications

1. Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
2. Demonstrated or high potential for teaching mechanical engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.
3. Demonstrated or high potential for developing a successful research program.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dr. Sara Wilson or Dr. Lorin Maletsky,[e-mail]

Application Review Begins

09-Nov-2026

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2027

Position Number

00003856

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

1.0

Reg/Temp

Regular

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with experience

Employee Class

F-Faculty

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate ViceChancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX,[e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.