Part Time - Materials Testing Laboratory - Adjunct Instructor

Penn State University; Penn (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 27,552 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University seeks part-time adjunct instructors for the Mechanical Engineering Program to teach laboratory sections of ME 365: Materials Testing Laboratory during the Fall 2026 semester. Responsibilities include teaching scheduled lab sessions, guiding students through material testing experiments, and maintaining a safe laboratory environment. Ideal candidates will hold a master's degree in a relevant field and have prior teaching experience. Applications are reviewed continuously until the position is filled.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
• Desirable: Prior teaching or lab instruction experience.
• Strong understanding of Material Science and Mechanical Material Testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Teach laboratory sessions scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Guide students through hands-on experiments in materials testing.
• Ensure a safe and engaging laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with faculty on course objectives.

Job description

Job Description And Position Requirements

The Mechanical Engineering Program at Penn State Berks invites applications for one to three part-time adjunct instructors to teach laboratory three sections of ME 365: Materials Testing Laboratory during the Fall 2026 Semester. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who are passionate about undergraduate education and committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Job Duties

• Teach laboratory sessions scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. (one section each day, ~12 to 16 students each).
• Guide students through hands‑on experiments involving destructive and non‑destructive material testing in a laboratory located on the Penn State Berks Campus.
• Ensure a safe and engaging laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with faculty to maintain consistency with course objectives and materials (already developed).

Requirements And Qualifications

• Preferred: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
• Desirable: Prior teaching or lab instruction experience.
• Strong understanding of Material Science and Mechanical Material Testing procedures.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
• A 1–2 page cover letter detailing your interest in the position and your approach to teaching laboratory courses.
• Review of applications will begin as they are received and continue until the vacancy is filled. The Fall 2026 semester begins in the last week of August.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives and provides opportunities for all members of the community to thrive.