Instructional Asst Professor - Mechanical Engineering

Role details

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Job Summary

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Oxford, Mississippi, invites applications for a full-time Instructional Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. This teaching-focused, non-tenure-track faculty appointment will strengthen high-quality undergraduate instruction in mechanical engineering courses.

Candidates from all areas of mechanical engineering will be considered. Candidates with expertise and teaching capacity in core undergraduate areas such as materials, mechanics, dynamics, thermal-fluid sciences, design, engineering systems, hands-on laboratories, or related mechanical engineering topics are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will join a collegial department committed to rigorous engineering education, student success, laboratory safety, continuous improvement, and preparing graduates for professional practice and advanced study.

Job Description

• Teach undergraduate mechanical engineering and engineering science courses, with assignments based on departmental needs and the candidate's expertise.
• Teach, coordinate, or support hands-on undergraduate laboratories, potentially including structures and dynamics, materials, thermal-fluids, instrumentation, design, or related laboratory experiences.
• Develop, revise, and assess course and laboratory materials that support active learning, project-based learning, engineering practice, and strong student outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with faculty course coordinators, laboratory faculty directors, department staff, and the machine shop supervisor to support safe, effective, and well-maintained instructional laboratories.
• Mentor undergraduate students, maintain accessible office hours, and contribute to student success, retention, and professional development activities.
• Participate in departmental service, curriculum coordination, ABET-related assessment and documentation, and other continuous-improvement activities.
• Engage in professional, scholarly, educational, or industry-facing activities that enrich teaching and advance the department's instructional mission, as appropriate for the appointment.

*Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!*

Job Responsibilities

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline by the appointment start date.
• Demonstrated potential for, or evidence of, effective undergraduate teaching in mechanical engineering or related engineering science areas.
• Ability to teach core undergraduate mechanical engineering or engineering science courses and to support hands-on or project-based learning.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Commitment to safe, student-centered, inclusive, and professionally rigorous engineering education, as demonstrated through teaching, mentoring, laboratory, professional, or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of teaching, laboratory teaching, instructional support, industry, or closely related professional engineering experience.
• Experience teaching or supporting courses in materials science, mechanics of materials, dynamics, thermal-fluid sciences, design, engineering systems, instrumentation, or related mechanical engineering topics.
• Experience developing, modernizing, or coordinating hands-on laboratories, including attention to safety, equipment readiness, assessment, and coordination with shop or technical staff.
• Evidence of student-centered teaching practices, active learning, project-based learning, or effective instruction in high-enrollment undergraduate engineering courses.
• Experience with course assessment, ABET-related documentation, curriculum improvement, or other structured continuous-improvement processes.
• Professional, industry, or research experience that connects mechanical engineering fundamentals to contemporary engineering practice.

Application Procedures

Application Materials Should Include

• A cover letter addressing qualifications, teaching interests, and fit with the department's instructional needs.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A teaching statement describing undergraduate teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and experience with hands-on, laboratory, project-based, or practice-oriented engineering education.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Questions regarding the position may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Samrat Choudhury, at [email protected].

Education Qualifications

PhD (Required)

Experience

Related Experience

Interview Requirement

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.