The Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ohio University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor with tenure. Areas of research emphasis for this position include thermal, fluid, materials, and energy systems or dynamic systems, controls, robots and mechatronics. Preference will be given to candidates whose research can contribute to the Center for Advanced Materials Processing, the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment, or the Avionics Engineering Center. The anticipated start is August 2025. The ideal candidate should demonstrate both intellectual depth and breadth, as well as a promise for high-quality research and a commitment to teaching excellence. Individuals with demonstrated abilities to collaborate across disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants must have a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates seeking the rank of Associate Professor should have a strong track record of success in research, teaching, and service. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded research program leading to national/international recognition, teach inspiring courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and contribute to the operation and promotion of the department, college, university, and the profession. The ideal candidate should show the potential for excellence in these activities through journal publications, patents, professional conference presentations, course design and instruction, undergraduate and graduate mentorship, external outreach, technical committee participation, and related activities.
Applications should include a cover letter addressing the needs of the position, curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, up to three academic publications, and contact information for up to five references. For full consideration, applications should be received no later than October 31, 2024.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering values research innovation, excellent teaching, student engagement, and interdisciplinary contributions, with faculty having extensive collaborations across departments and colleges. The successful candidate will join a department consisting of twelve faculty members. Annual departmental research expenditures are over $2.5 million, from a balance of federal, state, and industry sources. The department has 20 PhD students, 14 students each in our thesis-based mechanical engineering MS program, and 8 students in recently approved MSME Accelerated Graduate Pathway program. We have over 400 undergraduate students; by graduation, 45% of them participate in research, 50% in a design competition, and 60% in a co-op or internship. The Russ College benefits greatly from the $120 million Russ endowment, which supports engineering research and education, and this year opened a new 80,000 square foot research facility.
Ohio University is the oldest university in Ohio and recently received the prestigious Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity, one of 142 such schools nationwide. The university also recently completed its Dynamic Strategy process to craft a vision and goals across four pillars to guide the institution’s future. Athens is a quintessential college town in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, offering excellent academic and social opportunities and the convenience of small-town living in a single package.
