The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron (UA) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, in research areas related to materials testing and characterization, fiber reinforced composites, high temperature materials processing, stress corrosion cracking and/or ceramic matrix composites, starting in the Fall term of 2023. Job responsibilities include research, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and service to the department, university, and the profession.

The Department has 25 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty and 6 non-tenure-track faculty supported by 5 technical and administrative staff members. There are currently over 1300 students enrolled in the department programs. We maintain full ABET accreditation in our undergraduate degree programs in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Our particular strengths are the SAE design teams, the capstone senior design projects and the cooperative education program.

The Department offers a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and an interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering. The Department and College are host or co-host to several research centers and institutes (https://www.uakron.edu/engineering/research/centers), including the NSF CenTire Center for Tire Research, the Timken Foundation Center for Precision Manufacturing, and the Center for Surface Engineering and Lubrication Research.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field by the time of employment. The applicants are expected to provide evidence of active research in the above-mentioned areas and interest in directing student research. Startup funds are available to hire students and establish an active research program.

Other responsibilities include teaching classes in mechanical and aerospace systems engineering at the graduate and undergraduate level. The selected candidate would be expected to develop new specialized courses, work collaboratively with diverse populations, supervise graduate research, and contribute to departmental, college and university services.

Priority will be given to candidates with the potential for collaboration with industry and government agencies (e.g., NSF, DOE, DOD, …). The ability to establish research collaboration with other faculty members in the department and college would be considered a valuable additional asset.

Preference will be given to applicants that show strong potential to develop an independent, externally funded research program in areas such as materials testing and characterization, fiber reinforced composites, high temperature materials processing, stress corrosion cracking and/or ceramic matrix composites. A detailed Research Statement that clearly explains the candidate’s research plans and expected sources of funding is a requirement for this application. Applicants whose areas of research better integrate or complement with existing activities in the College’s research centers and Aerospace Systems Engineering program will have favorable consideration.

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff, contract professionals, and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.

The University of Akron is a vibrant community driven by collaboration, partnership and a steadfast determination to provide opportunity and success to all learners The University of Akron believes diversity is a vital element of an equitable and thriving workplace. A diverse workforce is essential as we strive to create a dynamic academic environment that prepares students to be citizens of the world around them, and as we deepen the value we place on our connection to the Greater Akron community.

We celebrate the power of uniqueness, and the strength that coalesces when unique voices are heard. We seek to empower employees to lead in their colleges, departments, offices and divisions. People of all backgrounds work on our campus every day, and we value the contribution of each individual in their commitment to a better University of Akron.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. Bound and determined to meet every challenge, we continue to climb, to forge new paths and reach new heights – and we want you to join us. Bring your voice. Bring your uniqueness. Bring you. We are Akron. We rise together.

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

For complete position details, visit: https://www.uakron.edu/hr/job-openings/openings.dot and Search Job ID #14105.

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research, statement of teaching, and the names of at least three references to your profile. Please include contact information, including email addresses for your professional references.

After submission of your application, return to the "My Activities" link and upload the required documents to your profile under the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with reference to the minimum and preferred qualifications. This is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of any information requested on the application. For assistance with your application or attachments please call Derek Brown in Human Resources at (330) 972-8402.

Review of applicants will begin April 10, 2023.

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, proof of Covid-19 vaccination, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

New hires must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, if vaccines are available and the employee is eligible, at time of hire. If a new employee is not fully vaccinated at the time of hire, the offer of employment will be contingent upon the employee becoming fully vaccinated within 60 days of hire, unless a qualifying medical or religious exemption is granted.

The University of Akron, as an equal education and employment institution, is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified individuals in its education programs or activities, including applicants for admissions or employment, will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military status or status as a veteran. To further this commitment, the University complies with state and federal laws which prohibit discrimination. Questions or concerns about the administration of this commitment can be directed to the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Office (uakron.edu/hr/eeoaa).

The University also strives to provide an environment free from the negative impacts of gender-based discrimination and harassment as prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Questions about Title IX can be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education or both. For more information on Title IX at the University of Akron, including how to contact the Title IX Coordinator, how to file a complaint under Title IX with the University or the Title IX process at the University of Akron, please visit the University’s Title IX page at uakron.edu/title-ix/at-uakron.

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.