Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU) Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is seeking outstanding candidates for multiple tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor. We seek dynamic and innovative scholars who are passionate about collaborative research, excellence in teaching, and advancing the field of mechanical engineering through impactful research and education.
The department welcomes applicants whose research complements and expands existing strengths within the department. The examples below illustrate areas of potential interest.
- Mechanics, materials, and manufacturing: solid and computational mechanics, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing
- Energy and transport: energy systems, thermal and fluid sciences, sustainability
- Robotics and intelligent systems: robotics, autonomous vehicles, controls
- Emerging and interdisciplinary areas: research connecting mechanical engineering with health, climate, infrastructure, or other fields
Outstanding candidates in other mechanical engineering fields may also be considered. Candidates whose work bridges traditional mechanical engineering disciplines or promotes interdisciplinary collaboration are especially encouraged to apply.
The Assistant Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics. UAKU is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and it is the candidate's right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
Applications are sought from candidates with earned doctorates in mechanical engineering or closely related fields by the time of appointment. Successful candidates are expected to contribute to the development of academic programs and a strong research program. Successful candidates will be results-oriented, have a record of superior scholarship, have demonstrated potential to develop an externally-funded research program, and teach high-quality courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The KU ME Department currently has programs leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Increasing research innovation and collaborations to make a difference in the world are priorities in the department.
The KU School of Engineering has embarked on a strategic plan that leads to significant expansion while maintaining and improving the existing high-quality student programs. This approach drives growth in facilities, faculty, students, leadership, and research as it helps industry partners find the new talent, designs, and techniques they need to fuel economic growth and business success. The KU School of Engineering is most interested in applicants committed to excellence who can contribute to the University's innovative, collaborative, and multidisciplinary initiatives to educate leaders, build healthy and vibrant communities, and make discoveries that will change the world.
Job DescriptionPosition Overview continued: KU's main campus is considered one of the most beautiful in the nation; located in Lawrence, a thriving city of 97,000, 30 minutes west of Kansas City in the forested hills of eastern Kansas. At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU's strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery. KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate, and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.
Screening of applications will begin on November 9, 2026 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received. The target start date is August 18, 2027.
Job Duties:
40% Teaching. Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Mechanical Engineering department. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student advising as appropriate. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as the major advisor of Master's and Doctoral students.
40% Research. Establish a strong research agenda in areas of expertise that overlap, support, or expand the current research in the department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings. Collaborate with faculty and professional staff on KU campuses as appropriate.
20% Service. Perform Department, School, University, and professional service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank. Participate in local, national, and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Foster a positive relationship with industry and the community. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.
Required Qualifications- Earned doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated or high potential for teaching mechanical engineering courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.
- Demonstrated or high potential for developing a successful research program.
Additional Candidate InstructionA complete online application will include the following PDF files: 1) letter of application; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests and plans on the order of two pages, including one paragraph explaining how the applicant would pivot their research over time if their current area of interest were not fundable in the future; 4) a statement of teaching interests on the order of two pages; and 5) contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.
Screening of applications will begin on November 9, 2026 and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received. The target start date is August 18, 2027. 
