Tenure-track Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering - National defense or space engineering
Job Description
Position Overview
Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin in Fall 2026. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program in core areas including dynamics and control, robotics, thermofluid sciences, materials, and manufacturing – with potential focus on either the robotics or thermofluids track. The candidate is expected to excel in both research and teaching, contributing to core mechanical engineering courses and expanding graduate-level offerings. Location: Nashville, Tennessee. Experience Required: Assistant Professor level.
Applications must include a cover letter (indicating the desired track), curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching, and a minimum of three references. Applications will be reviewed as received, with full consideration for those received by December 1, 2025.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a robust and externally funded research program in mechanical engineering.
- Demonstrate excellence in scholarship and teaching, including delivering core mechanical engineering courses.
- Expand and innovate graduate-level offerings through interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Engage with multiple research centers and external partners to enhance the department’s research profile.
Required Qualifications
- Possess a strong theoretical foundation in mechanical engineering principles.
- Ability to effectively teach core mechanical engineering courses.
- Experience in conducting experimental or computational research.
- Familiarity with the application of AI and machine learning tools in research and teaching is a significant advantage.