Open Rank Non-Tenure Track Faculty Position of Mechanical Engineering

Rice University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rice University in Houston, Texas invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track teaching position at the rank of Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor, starting Jan 1, 2027 or Jul 1, 2027. The role emphasizes undergraduate instruction in solid mechanics, mechanics of materials, mechanical design, and experimental methods.

The successful candidate will mentor students, lead labs, and contribute to capstone projects and curricular development, with a PhD required or a Master’s plus

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Appointment at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank requires a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Experience in undergraduate teaching and lab development is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Engineering Mechanics (Statics).
• Teach Mechanics of Materials.
• Teach Mechanical Design and Machine Elements.
• Teach Experimental Mechanics.
• Teach Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Courses.
• Supervise Senior Capstone Design; contribute to curriculum development and lab coordination.

Skills

Undergrad teaching

Solid mechanics

Mechanics of materials

Mechanical design

Experimental mechanics

Lab instruction

Capstone supervision

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

MS in Mechanical Engineering with teaching/design experience

Tools

Modern engineering tools

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Job description

Open Rank Non-Tenure Track Position in MechanicalEngineering

https://mech.rice.edu/

Position Description

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University,located in Houston, Texas, invites applications for a full-time,non-tenure-track teaching position at the rank of Lecturer orAssistant Teaching Professor, with an anticipated start date ofJanuary 1, 2027, or July 1, 2027. The successful candidate will beappointed at the rank appropriate to their qualifications andexperience. The initial appointment will be for a one-year term atthe Lecturer rank or a two- to three-year term at the AssistantTeaching Professor rank, and may be renewed contingent uponperformance and departmental needs.

We seek a dedicated educator with expertise in solid mechanics,mechanics of materials, mechanical design, experimental methods,and project-based learning. The successful candidate willcontribute to the department’s undergraduate educational missionthrough classroom instruction, laboratory teaching, studentmentoring, and curricular development.

Responsibilities

Primary teaching responsibilities are expected to includeundergraduate courses in areas such as:

• Engineering Mechanics (Statics)
• Mechanics of Materials
• Mechanical Design and Machine Elements
• Experimental Mechanics
• Mechanical Engineering Laboratory Courses
• Senior Capstone Design

The successful candidate may also contribute to other undergraduatecourses aligned with their expertise.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering values hands-on,project-based learning that integrates engineering fundamentalswith modern engineering practice. Candidates should be enthusiasticabout engaging students in laboratory experimentation, engineeringdesign, prototyping, testing, and open-ended problem-solving.Experience developing laboratory curricula, supervisingdesign-build projects, mentoring student competition teams, orcoordinating capstone design experiences is particularlydesirable.

In addition to teaching, faculty in this position contribute to thedepartment’s educational mission through activities such asundergraduate advising, curriculum development, accreditationsupport, laboratory coordination, and departmental service.

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering combines high educationalstandards with research distinction and service to the community.Its faculty and students work at the forefront of developingtechnologies and solutions across mechanics, design, robotics,advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and related fields.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in acollaborative environment that emphasizes innovation, discovery,experiential learning, and student success.

About the George R. Brown School of Engineering andComputing

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing at RiceUniversity comprises nine academic departments and more than 20engineering-related centers and institutes. Its teaching andresearch benefit from Rice’s collaborative environment andHouston’s strengths in energy, health care, medical research, spaceexploration, and technology.

About Rice University

Rice University is a private research university located inHouston, Texas. Rice provides a collaborative academic environmentthat supports excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, andinterdisciplinary engagement.

Applicants must possess

• A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; or
• A master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field together with significant relevant teaching, design,laboratory, or industrial experience.

Appointment at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank requires aPhD. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.Candidates with a Ph.D. may be considered for appointment at eitherrank.

Preferred qualifications include

• Undergraduate teaching experience.
• Expertise in solid mechanics, mechanics of materials, mechanicaldesign, or experimental mechanics.
• Experience with laboratory instruction and experimentalmeasurement techniques.
• Experience supervising design projects, maker activities, orcapstone design teams.
• Familiarity with modern engineering tools, instrumentation, anddata acquisition systems.
• A demonstrated commitment to student mentorship andsuccess.

Industrial experience in product development, manufacturing,testing and validation, aerospace, energy, robotics, medicaldevices, or related engineering fields is highly valued.

Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer withcommitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employmentqualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteranstatus.

Rice Mission and Values

Mission and Values | Rice University