Assistant Professor, (TT)

The University of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron’s Department of Mechanical Engineering invites applications from candidates with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field for tenure‑track faculty positions.

We seek researchers with active programs and the ability to supervise graduate work, develop new courses, and collaborate with industry and government partners to enhance our ABET‑accredited programs. Responsibilities include teaching at graduate and undergraduate levels, developing specialized courses,

Qualifications

• PhD required by time of employment.
• Evidence of active research in mechanical/aerospace systems.
• Interest in directing student research and building an externally funded program.
• Ability to collaborate with industry/government partners.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate and undergraduate mechanical/aerospace systems engineering courses.
• Develop new specialized courses and contribute to curriculum.
• Supervise graduate research and mentoring of students.
• Engage in department, college, and university service and outreach.

Education

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Subject to Collective Bargaining Agreement Requirements,

The Department has 28 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty and 6 non-tenure-track faculty

supported by 5 technical and administrative staff members. There are currently over 1300 students

enrolled in the department programs. We maintain full ABET accreditation in our undergraduate degree programs in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Our particular strengths are the SAE design teams, the capstone senior design projects and the cooperative education program. The Department offers a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering. The Department and College are host or co-host to several research centers and institutes (https://www.uakron.edu/engineering/research/centers).

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field by the time of employment. The applicants are expected to provide evidence of active research in the above-mentioned areas and interest in directing student research. Startup funds are available to hire students and establish an active research program. Other responsibilities include teaching classes in mechanical and aerospace systems engineering at the graduate and undergraduate level. The selected candidate would be expected to develop new specialized courses, work collaboratively with diverse populations, supervise graduate research, and contribute to departmental, college and university services.

Priority will be given to candidates with the potential for collaboration with industry and government agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DOD, …). The ability to establish research collaboration with other faculty members in the department and college would be considered a valuable additional asset. Preference will be given to applicants that show strong potential to develop an independent, externally funded research program. We encourage candidates to apply in the broad areas of advanced materials. Areas of interest include, but not limited to, new materials for power and battery applications, high-entropy materials, critical minerals, microplastics solutions, multi-scale modeling of materials, quantum systems for sensing and other applications, and materials for nuclear fission fusion. A detailed Research Statement that clearly explains the candidate’s research plans and expected sources of funding is a requirement for this application. Applicants whose areas of research better integrate or complement with existing activities in the College’s research centers will have favorable consideration.

Additional Position Information

Compensation

Compensation for this position commesurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Deadline

Review of applicants will begin November 30, 2026.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if Applicable)

American Association of University Professors

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Iron Bones (On Leave)

Email

[e-mail]

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Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.