Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering - Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University in San Jose, California invites applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in Mechanical Engineering, starting July 2026. The position emphasizes wildfire science and collaboration with the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, with a focus on numerical modeling, CFD reactive flow, and AI/ML for risk assessment.

Teaching includes thermo-fluids courses at undergrad and graduate levels; responsibilities also include curriculum development, lab creation,

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field by appointment date.
• Ability to teach and develop courses in the thermo-fluids area for mechanical engineering students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated awareness of the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering and related areas.
• Conduct research in expertise area, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, generate grants, and supervise student research.
• Collaborate with the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center to seek funding and conduct research on wildfire science and management.
• Participate in shared governance in department, college, and university committees.
• Organize classes in Canvas Learning Management System.
• Demonstrate inclusive teaching practices to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Skills

Thermo-fluids teaching

Wildfire science research

CFD/reactive flow

AI/ML for predictive modeling

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Canvas LMS

Job description

Position Description

The Mechanical Engineering Department at San José State University is seeking an Assistant Professor (tenure track) to begin in July 2026. The role requires a strong academic background in mechanical engineering and wildfire science. The faculty member will collaborate with the SJSU Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center to seek funding and conduct research related to wildfire science and management. Research interests include numerical modeling/CFD reactive flow, wildfire dynamics, wildland‑urban interface fire spread, AI/ML for predictive modeling and risk management, and combustion dynamics of wildland and urban fuels.

Teaching responsibilities include developing and teaching courses in the thermo‑fluids area at undergraduate and graduate levels, creating curricula and laboratories, and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students. Faculty will also participate in shared governance and serve on committees.

The department values inclusive excellence and seeks teacher‑scholars who foster inclusive, empowering learning environments for a diverse student body.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field by appointment date.
• Ability to teach and develop courses in the thermo‑fluids area for mechanical engineering students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated awareness of the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong track record of publication.
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in teaching and pedagogical methods.
• Experience with the funding acquisition process.
• Interest in establishing industrial partnerships in Silicon Valley.
• Experience supervising undergraduate or master’s level students.
• Interdisciplinary project experience in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering and related areas.
• Conduct research in expertise area, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, generate grants, and supervise student research.
• Collaborate with the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center to seek funding and conduct research on wildfire science and management.
• Participate in shared governance in department, college, and university committees.
• Organize classes in Canvas Learning Management System.
• Demonstrate inclusive teaching practices to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Other Duties

Employees must comply with California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, CSU Executive Order 1083, and Clery Act training requirements. Faculty must complete required CSU employee training related to Data Security, FERPA, Preventing Discrimination and Harassment, Title IX, and Health and Safety.

Application Procedure

• Letter of interest (2 pages max)
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of Inclusive Excellence (dedicated statement or addressed in letter of interest, 2 pages max)
• Statement of teaching interests/philosophy (2 pages max)
• Research plans (2 pages max)
• Minimum of three references with contact information

Contact: Dr. Hohyun Lee, Department Chair, at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of Age, Ancestry, Caste, Color, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Genetic Information, Marital Status, Medical Condition, Military Status, Nationality, Race, Religion, Religious Creed, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Sex Stereotype, and Veteran Status. The policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff. Reasonable accommodations are made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and rank as established by the CSU Salary Schedule. Anticipated hiring academic year annual salary range: $102,000 – $126,000. Faculty employee benefits are competitive; see the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details.

Target Start Date: July 20, 2026. Application Deadline: January 15, 2026.