Part Time - Materials Testing Laboratory - Adjunct Instructor

The Pennsylvania State University; Spring Ridge (PA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University at Penn State Berks seeks one to three part-time adjunct instructors to teach ME 365: Materials Testing Laboratory for Fall 2026. Instructors will lead three sections, schedule Tue/Wed/Thu mornings, and guide undergraduates through hands-on material testing in a campus lab.

Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science, with teaching or lab instruction experience and a solid understanding of material testing procedures.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Desirable teaching or lab instruction experience.
• Strong understanding of Material Science and mechanical material testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Teach laboratory sessions for ME 365: Materials Testing Laboratory (three sections) during Fall 2026.
• Guide students through hands-on destructive and non-destructive material testing experiments.
• Maintain a safe and engaging laboratory environment.
• Collaborate with faculty to align with course objectives and materials.

Skills

Teaching experience

Lab supervision

Material testing knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science

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.

• 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 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.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR) which includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.