The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama (http://me.eng.ua.edu) invites qualified candidates to apply for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at all ranks. Candidates with expertise and research interests in the full range of areas and topics representative of the field of mechanical engineering and its closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Candidates with expertise and research interests related to advanced manufacturing systems and clean and renewable energy are of particular interest for one or more of the open positions. Under the advanced manufacturing systems track, particular attention will be given to candidates with research interests in additive manufacturing, robotic and automated manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented reality and connectivity applied to advanced manufacturing systems. Under the clean and renewable energy track, particular attention will be given to candidates with expertise in cyber-physical energy systems, sustainable, renewable and building energy, and energy in manufacturing and carbon management. The Department has established strong track records and strengths in these areas as evident by the fast rise in the number of faculty with research focus in these fields, significant increases in the amount of externally-funded research related to these areas, and growing collaborations with major industrial companies in these areas. Candidates with industrial experience are encouraged to apply.
Candidates seeking appointment at the level of Assistant Professor are expected to perform effective teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and to establish an independent, extramurally funded, high impact research program, and candidates should address these issue within their statements of research and teaching interests. Where appropriate, candidates should also discuss how they may effectively collaborate with others across the department, college, and/or university. For candidates seeking consideration at the Associate or Full Professor levels, applicants must demonstrate strong records in both teaching and research, and in particular candidates must have a record that demonstrates high scholarly productivity and impact (e.g. publication and citation records), external research funding, and an ability to mentor and educate Ph.D. students.
The departmental has more than 1,400 undergraduate students and approximately 180 graduate students in its M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The present faculty size of 37 is expected to significantly grow over the next several years through this search and other planned faculty searches in the next several years. While the Department has faculty expertise spanning a wide breadth of modern mechanical engineering, a large portion of the faculty is comprised within three main groups: Thermofluids Science, Dynamic Systems and Control, and Materials Processing and Manufacturing. In addition to those three broad categories, the department maintains a number of more focused research clusters and state-of-the-art laboratories in a variety of areas including internal combustion engines, advanced manufacturing, human-machine interaction and soft robotics, additive manufacturing, nanomechanical characterization, bio-inspired nanocomposite, and automotive engineering, just to name a few. With total annual sponsored program awards of over $11 million, the Department is home to several federally and/or state-funded centers. The Mechanical Engineering Department is one of the seven departments in the University of Alabama’s fully accredited College of Engineering.
As one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering instruction, The University of Alabama has more than 175 years of engineering education experience. UA’s College of Engineering is committed to conducting leading-edge research, providing unparalleled educational opportunities and investing in students who will be the scholars and industry professionals shaping the future of the field of engineering. Research is a critical component of our mission as the flagship university in the state of Alabama. Over the past decade, the College’s research activity has more than doubled, and the Shelby Science and Engineering Quad was completed at a cost of more than $300 million. There are 10 research centers housed under the College, spanning areas from cybersecurity to transportation, that are dedicated to making sustainable changes and an impact on local, national and global levels. With hundreds of award-winning faculty and staff members, and a diverse offering of nationally accredited programs, facilities and resources, the College has positioned itself for success as a leader in engineering education.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Tuscaloosa, home to the University, is a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options. With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.
Applicants must have an earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Application packages must be submitted electronically at https://careers.ua.edu/jobs/search/college-of-engineering and should consist of: a cover letter which includes the rank for which the candidate is applying and a brief statement about the primary area(s) of research interest for the candidate, a detailed CV, a statements of research interests and plans, a statement of teaching interests and plans, and a list of and contact information for at least four professional references. Applications will be accepted and reviewed continuously until the positions are filled. The expected start date of these positions will be August 2023, though other dates are possible as appropriate. Inquiries about the position or additional information should be addressed to me-search@ua.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled.
The University of Alabama is an equal-opportunity employer (EOE) including an EOE of protected vets and individuals with disabilities. Applications from women and under-represented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.
