1855 Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Position Summary
The College of Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a tenure-system faculty position in socially responsive and community-focused engineering that focuses on expanding access and opportunity. We welcome candidates whose research and teaching address societal challenges, improve accessibility, and foster inclusive solutions that benefit diverse communities. We especially welcome applications at the rank of Assistant Professor, though outstanding candidates at the Associate or Full Professor level are also encouraged to apply.
Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Infusion of socially responsive and community-focused engineering principles in general engineering and discipline-specific contexts.
- Complex and interconnected human-natural systems, such as food, energy, and water with emphasis on enhancing the security, resilience, and sustainability of such systems within communities.
- Integration of societal factors in a systems engineering approach to improve public safety, health, and welfare.
- Human-centered design, ergonomics, and accessibility engineering with emphases on empowering full participation of persons with disabilities in our society.
Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in an engineering field or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2026. Appointments will be made in the Departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and/or Mechanical Engineering based on existing strengths and capabilities and the candidate’s preferences. Joint appointments with other departments are also possible. This will be a full-time, academic-year appointment in the tenure system, with tenure, if appropriate, at a salary commensurate with the candidate’s background and experience. Those who conduct research that broadens access to education and innovation, addresses barriers to participation, or enhances the university’s ability to serve communities are of high interest.
The candidate is expected to establish a sustainable, externally funded, and internationally visible research program; make significant scholarly contributions to their discipline; conduct community-engaged research; be an effective teacher and mentor of undergraduate and graduate students; engage in institutional and professional service; and contribute to the university’s land-grant mission of access, service, and advancing knowledge for the common good. Candidates are encouraged to describe the potential impacts of their scholarship and how their work might complement existing strengths within the College and across the university. Additional qualifications include strong leadership and interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication abilities, a demonstrated capacity to thrive in a collaborative research environment, and a commitment to advancing MSU’s land-grant mission of expanding access, opportunity, and excellence.
Successful candidates are expected to collaborate with and build on existing MSU activities focused on developing engineered systems (e.g., buildings, on-site energy generation and storage, water and food systems, transportation) and innovative devices to address multidisciplinary, global problems (e.g., climate resilience, energy, water and food security, public health and safety), with an emphasis on enabling and supporting full participation of communities with limited opportunities.
Additionally, the successful candidate is expected to support MSU’s strategic priorities. This position is supported by the MSU Provost’s 1855 Professorships initiative, which seeks to elevate academic quality and reputation at MSU. For more information about the 1855 Professorships, visit: 1855 Professorships | Office of the Provost | Michigan State University. For more information about MSU’s strategic plan, visit: Strategic Plan | Michigan State University.
Required Application Materials
Interested individuals should apply for this position through http://careers.msu.edu and refer to posting 1088952. The application must include the following materials:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter summarizing your qualifications (one page)
- A teaching vision statement (one page)
- A research vision statement (one page)
- A land-grant mission statement (one page), which should include:
- Your understanding of MSU’s land-grant mission and its emphasis on expanding access, opportunity, and excellence in higher education and research
- Examples of how your teaching, research, or outreach has advanced broad access to knowledge or created opportunities for individuals or communities
- Evidence of outcomes and impact from your work that demonstrate alignment with MSU’s commitment to serving the public good
- Ways you intend to contribute to MSU’s tradition of connecting discovery with practical application to benefit society locally and globally
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references
Candidates are encouraged to describe the potential impact of their work and how it aligns with the existing strengths of the Departments, College, or other programs at MSU.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position are welcome and should be directed to the search committee chair by email at faculty1855@egr.msu.edu.
About The College of Engineering
For over 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Guided by Michigan State University’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to preparing exceptional graduates, conducting breakthrough research, and driving innovations that serve the public good—improving lives locally and globally. With annual research expenditures of $71 million, the college offers world-class facilities, resources, and support to push the boundaries of discovery and application.
Our eight departments span a wide range of disciplines with strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, spanning departments, other colleges, and an extensive global network of research partners. With a strong tradition of mentorship and a culture that values creativity, impact, and service, the MSU College of Engineering provides an environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive, lead transformative research, and help shape the technologies and solutions of the future.
About Michigan State University
At Michigan State University, discovery doesn’t stop at the classroom door. As one of the nation’s leading R1 research universities and a proud land-grant institution, MSU blends academic excellence with a mission to make a difference in communities near and far. Our park-like campus in East Lansing offers more than just a place to work—it’s a hub of innovation, collaboration, and Spartan spirit.
Just steps away from Michigan’s capital city, Lansing, the region offers the best of both worlds: a diverse metropolitan area of more than 540,000 people with cultural opportunities, thriving neighborhoods, and highly rated schools. Whether you’re enjoying the arts, cheering on Big Ten athletics, or exploring nearby lakes and trails, East Lansing is a place where work, life, and community come together.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Required Degree
Doctorate – Engineering or a closely related discipline
